Geraldine Marie Illig, age 90, went to be with the Lord on Friday, May 30, 2025. She passed away peacefully at her home in West Branch, MI surrounded by her loving family. She was born on January 13, 1935, in Detroit, MI to the late LeRoy and Marie (Marshall) Illig.
Geraldine married James R. Illig on June 4, 1955, 52 years before James entered into eternal rest on July 13, 2007.
She enjoyed nature walks, gardening, working on jig saw puzzles, and most of all, watching the Detroit Tigers games.
Geraldine is survived by her four children, Marsha (Dale) Allen of Alger, Larry (Shannon) Illig of West Branch, Garry (Sally) Illig of West Branch, and Althea (Don) Ball of Kalkaska. Although one child passed on, Linda (James) Dannenburg on May 28, 2007, the memories of her are still within the family. She has 8 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, 1 great great grandchild and a surviving brother, Kenneth (Bonnie) Bennett. In addition to in-laws, Shirley Bennett, Irene (Richard) Funch, Georgina (Don) Brick, Adolph (Dorothy) Illig, and Richard Stillwagon.
She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, daughter, brothers, Leo Bennett and John Bennett, sister, Judy Stillwagon, and in-laws Joseph (Justinia) Illig, Leo Illig, Edward (Cleo) Illig, Marie (Ambrose) Illig, Genevieve (Conrad) Kolberg, and Judy Bennett.
Per Geraldine’s wishes, there will not be a service or memorial. Cremation has taken place.
The family would like to thank Heartland Hospice staff, especially Amy McKinney-Gough.
Arrangements were handled by Steuernol & McLaren Funeral Home in West Branch, MI. www.steuernolmclaren.com