Geraldine "Jerry" Dortland Wheeler

Geraldine “Jerry” Dortland Wheeler was born in Hays, KS on February 26, 1936 to Gerald and Lucy Dortland. Jerry and her brother Everett grew up on the farm in Gorham, KS. Her high school years were spent at Sacred Heart High School in Wichita, KS, graduating in 1954. She married, had four children. After relocating to Denver, CO, she became a stay-at-home mother, making draperies.

Jerry enjoyed crafting, sewing and crocheting. She was a master at stitching hardanger and created some beautiful pieces which over the years were put on view throughout her home. She loved to cook. Her family craved her orange Jello salad for Thanksgiving and famous German potato salad at Christmas.

As a single mother of four she went to work with Kaiser Permanente and spent 20 years working there until she retired in 2000. The next five years were spent caring for her elderly Mother in Russell, KS. Jerry’s catholic faith was of the utmost importance to her, and she practiced it until she died. She was a devout member of Risen Christ Catholic Church.

It was important for her to dress to the “nines” every day. She collected watches and each matched her outfit along with a pair of shoes. She loved ice cream and her friends. As far as her friends were concerned, she always had a chair waiting for them to sit, share and laugh. A collection of chickens was displayed all over home. She would never pass up a good garage sale and would frequent the thrift stores, all just for fun and more chickens.

She is preceded in death by Her father Gerald Dortland, mother, Lucy Dortland. Her brother Everett and sister-in-law Cora Dortland and many beloved Aunts and Uncles.

Jerry is survived by her 4 children. Zanette E. Bell of Denver CO. Denise L. Carrier(Ron). League City, TX. Darreld “Bud” Wheeler (Mitzi). Breckenridge, CO. and Monique D. Durham (Terry). Parker, CO.

Jerry had 7 grandchildren. Tanya, (Rich), Drew, Shona, Frank (Corinne), Ali (Will), Taylor (Julia) Colby (Katie) and 11 Great Grandchildren.

She will be truly missed by her Family & Friends. 

Jerry's final resting place will be at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery, Gorham KS.