Michael Geracie

Michael Louis Geracie, 81, passed away on August 28, 2015 in Sun City, AZ, after a short illness, surrounded by his beloved wife of 60 years, Diane, and their children. The cause of death was complications from pulmonary fibrosis, diagnosed earlier this year. Born on June 11, 1934 in Milwaukee, WI, Mr. Geracie and the former Diane Doss, childhood sweethearts from high school, married in May 1955. Mr. Geracie and his wife moved to Sun City in 1990, drawn by the year-round sunshine and retirement community. He loved camping and the open road, traveling by RV throughout the Southwest or on his Gold Wing with his motorcycle-club friends. He and his wife were active members of The Retreads, a group of friends who set out several times a year in their recreational vehicles to explore the West. For the last decade, the couple enjoyed the summer months in Show Low, AZ, where they have many friends. Mr. Geracie was a big fan of the Green Bay Packers and made the Arizona Cardinals his second team. Mr. Geracie was a devoted husband and father, proud of his children, their educational achievements and their professional and personal accomplishments. He once told his wife that he “wanted to be remembered as a great guy”. And he was. In addition to his wife, Mr. Geracie is survived by their children, Kathlyn Geracie of Cedarburg, WI, Michael Geracie, Jr. of San Jose, CA; Linda Schoenbeck of West Bend, WI and Richard Geracie of Lenexa, KS. He also had seven beloved grandchildren: Nathan, Elizabeth, Nicholas, J. Bradford, Zachary, Misha and Katherine. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Mr. Geracie’s honor be made to the Disabled American Veterans or the American Lung Association. A private memorial service will be held at a future date.