Geraldine "Geri" Durivage

Geraldine Pauline “Geri” Durivage, 88, passed away on April 20, 2024, at the Marian Home in Ft. Dodge, Iowa.  A visitation will be held at St Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, from 10:00 – 10:45 AM followed by a Funeral Service at 11:00 AM.  Graveside service will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, April 25, 2025, at Oak Shade Cemetery, in Marion, Iowa.  The family has chosen Boman Funeral Home (www.bomanfh.com) to care for their needs.

Geri was born on January 9, 1936, in Burlington, Vermont to Erwin and Loretta (Peters) Lessor.  Geri met Leon Jr. in the mid-1950s, shortly after his discharge from the Army. They were married in 1955 and after a few years living in New York and Florida, moved to Marion, Iowa, where they settled in to raise their children.  

Geri had many hobbies and was always gardening, sewing, knitting, crocheting, or working on a quilt.  Throughout her life, Geri made many beautiful items for family and friends to enjoy and pass along to future generations.

Geri was a stay-at-home mom while raising her children, however, in her late 40’s, Geri fulfilled her dream of going to college and in 1986, graduated from Mt. Mercy College with her degree in social work. 

Geri's legacy extends beyond her family life. Geri was a lifelong Catholic and through her work as a choir singer, volunteer and Eucharistic Minister for St. Joseph Catholic Church in Marion, Iowa, Geri provided care, support and prayers to many new families joining the church and those in care facilities throughout the Marion area.  

Geri’s faith, family, friends and education helped shape her into the remarkable person she was known to be, and she will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

She was the beloved wife of the late Leon Durivage Jr for 58 years and was a loving mother to Leon III (Lori), Catherine, and David (Dawn). She was the cherished “Grandma Honey” to Kristina, Leon IV (Mary), John (Connie), James, Hannah, and Danielle. Geri was also a proud great-grandmother to Leon V (Will).  She was preceded in death by husband Leon Jr., her son Michael, her father Erwin Lessor, and her mother Loretta Lessor.

In lieu of memorials, the family asks that you please consider a contribution to the charity of your choice.