Eileen Dorothea Geppert

Eileen Dorothea Schulte Geppert passed away on October 14, at age 90, in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. She began life in St. Louis, Missouri as the first child of Herman and Clara Schulte. Eileen and her brother and two sisters were raised in a German-Catholic section of the city. They were surrounded by family and parishioners. From childhood, Eileen was personable and especially adept at making friends, many of whom stayed with her for a lifetime.

Eileen graduated early from Notre Dame High School in St. Louis. She then received a scholarship and started an intense program at Le Clerc College, in Belleville, IL. Due to the war effort, students at Le Clerc were fast-tracked to practical careers. Eileen received a B. S. in Chemistry. After completing an internship and passing a qualifying exam, she became a Registered Hematology Technician. Eileen’s profession served her well throughout her adult life. She worked part-time and full-time in doctor’s practices and in hospital laboratories.

During WWII, Eileen began corresponding with a college friend’s brother, Lawrence Geppert. Larry eventually became an Army Air Corps pilot. When the war ended, the pen pals became fast friends and their relationship brought them to marriage on September 27, 1947. Four children were born of their union and, due to Larry’s Civil Service career, they were raised in various places across the country. The family lived in Belleville, IL, Valley Station, KY and Alexandria, VA. After retirement, Larry and Eileen made their homes in Charlotte, NC and Menomonee Falls, WI. Lawrence passed away June 25, 2006, and Eileen stayed in her Wisconsin home. She enjoyed visits from friends, fellowship at her church and playing in her bridge clubs.

Besides being a wife, mother, homemaker and Registered Technician, Eileen taught herself to sew and she learned quilting from her mother-in-law. Eileen was a lifelong Catholic, who never waivered in her faith and exemplified constancy in prayer. She and Larry passed this religious heritage on to their children and grandchildren. Throughout her life, Eileen kept meticulous genealogy notes and files on all branches of her family. She was a history buff, an avid traveler and her home was always open to friends and family.

Eileen is survived by her children: Dr. Eugene Geppert, Laureen Jacobs (Peter), Andrew Geppert (Cynthia), and Clare Brzozowski, who was her devoted caregiver. Eileen’s descendants include seven grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents and her brother, Deacon Edwin Schulte. Eileen’s two sisters, Elizabeth “Betty” Poelker (Gene) and Anita Neiner live in the St. Louis metropolitan area.

All Eileen’s family and friends share great memories of this patient, compassionate and loving woman.  Eileen supported the Maryknoll Sisters, if desired, memorials in Eileen’s name, can be sent to this Catholic order at– maryknollsisters.org/donate/general-donations/

Memorial Mass will be held at Blessed Sacrament Church, 8707 West Main Street, Belleville, IL, on November 5, 2016, 11:00 AM.

Inurnment will be at the family plot at Mount Carmel Cemetery, Belleville, IL.