Geneva L. Calmes passed away peacefully, on February 4th 2013, surrounded by her family at home, after a five year fight with cancer, at the age of 81.
She was born April 19th 1931, the daughter of the late Herman and Sara (Meihack) Beyer, in the town of Greenwood. She grew up in Athens, where she graduated from high school. On April 23rd 1949, she was united in marriage to Joseph C. Calmes, and the couple moved to the town of Maine, where they resided for 47 years. Geneva stayed at home and raised her five children before she went to work at Weinbrenner Shoe Co., where she was employed for 21 years.
Geneva loved the many family gatherings and time spent with family, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She enjoyed having friends over and playing cards and games. Cooking, baking, trying new recipes, crocheting, reading, gardening, music, and collecting glassware, were all things Geneva loved to spend time doing. Above all, she had a strong faith in God.
Her memory will live on in the hearts of her beloved husband of 62 years, Joseph; three children, Duane (Carol) Calmes, Wausau, Gayle (David) Klotzbuecher, Indianapolis, IN, Julie (Stanley) Skic, Merrill; daughter-in-law, Mary Calmes, Merrill; son-in-law, Daniel Ostrowski, Mosinee; nine grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren.
Along with her parents, Geneva was preceded in death by her son, Bruce, who was killed in an auto accident while returning home from a hunting trip in Nova Scotia in 2007; daughter, Diane Ostrowski, from cancer in 2010; sister, Myrtle (James) Davis; brother, Herman (Violet) Beyer; and daughter-in-law, Linda (nee Lane) Calmes.
A memorial service celebrating Geneva was held Monday, February 11th, at Faith Lutheran Church, town of Maine. Reverend Kevin Hoogland officiated. You may sign our family guestbook at www.helke.com.
The family would like to express their thanks for the wonderful care Geneva received from Dr. Rezazadeh and his staff, as well as, Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services.