Germaine “Gerrie” “GiGi” Tenor, 78, passed away peacefully in her sleep at home on October 23, 2023. She was born on August 2, 1945, in Green Bay to the late Joseph and Germaine (Heroux) Alberts. Gerrie attended SS. Peter and Paul Elementary School and Preble High School. She met her husband of 59 years, Kenny, in the fall of 1963. Kenny and Gerrie were united in marriage on April 4, 1964, at SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church. Together they built a family and life they loved.
Gerrie worked at Montgomery Wards Department Store until the arrival of her first child. Her life revolved around her family. She was an amazing wife, mom, granny and great granny. Gerrie was always present and involved. She was both a den mother and girl scout leader. Gerrie was very involved at Holy Cross Catholic School during her children’s school years. She was either volunteering, working in the lunchroom or on the playground. Gerrie never missed a school play, sporting event or class trip. As her presence was constant, she was affectionately known as GiGi to most of the neighborhood kids. She was always available to provide support and love whenever and wherever it was needed.
Gerrie and Kenny enjoyed travel, especially their winters in Cocoa Beach, FL. There, Gerrie enjoyed beachcombing for unique seashells, soaking up the sunshine and boat rides. Gerrie and Kenny enjoyed league bowling for many years together. She also bowled on a women’s league with her friends.
Gerrie was very artistic and a talented seamstress making clothing, blankets and countless costumes. When anyone needed mending, GiGi was the first call. Gerrie and her sister, Jane, started GiJa Creations, where they were able to showcase their many talents. Together they designed shirts, sweatshirts and tennis shoes. Later their focus turned to woodworking.
It was well known that Gerrie proudly cheered for the Minnesota Vikings and was a huge Elvis Presley fan. Gerrie and her sisters were avid readers and frequently shared books by the bags.
Gerrie anxiously awaited the arrival of her grandchildren, where her love and dedication to the details of daily living was reborn. She and her grandchildren shared many adventures, but the most memorable and favorite times were spent at granny’s crafting, cooking and spending time together. Gerrie also experienced the joy of becoming a great granny where she was able to begin spoiling yet another generation.
Gerrie will be deeply missed by her husband of 59 years, Kenny; children, Dean and Patti Tenor and Lisa and Chaz Degeneffe; four grandchildren, Quinn and Arielle Tenor, Jake Degeneffe, Halie Tenor and Melanie and Chad Wiesner; and her great granddaughter, Everly Wiesner.
She is further survived by her siblings, John (Pat Wiktorek) Alberts, Janet (Larry) Balza and Jane (Denny) Tenor; sisters-in-law, Bonita Alberts, Donna Lemmen, Mary Tenor, Karen (Dean) Gigot and Bonnie DeBauche; brothers-in-law, David (Donna) Tenor and Len Coppens; and many other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Walter and Adeline Tenor; siblings, Norbert Alberts, Mary (Dick) Lemmen, Judy (Ed) Sasnowski; Joan (Bill) Frankow and Vonnie (Carl) Mande; sisters-in-law, Sally Alberts and Wanda Coppens, brothers-in-law, Jim Tenor, Dick Tenor, John Lemmen and John DeBauche.
Per Gerrie’s wishes, there will be no funeral or memorial service. Online condolences may be expressed at www.prokowall.com.
Special acknowledgment to Gerrie’s granddaughter, Melanie, for the excellent care and companionship she provided this past year.
Alex Bahrke is serving the family.