Bernice "Gerri" Makela

Mass of Christian Burial for Bernice Geraldine “Gerri” Thomas Makela, 92, of Gilbert, will be 10am Thursday, September 29, 2022 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Gilbert with Fr. Justin Fish as celebrant.  Visitation will be Wednesday from 5:00-7:00pm at Ziemer-Moeglein-Shatava Funeral Home in Gilbert with a prayer service at 6:30 by Pastor Mary Lou Sixberry.  Visitation will also be one hour prior to the mass at church on Thursday.  Burial will be in the Gilbert Cemetery.

Gerri died Sunday, September 25, 2022 at The Waterview Woods in Eveleth, Minnesota.

She was born June 9, 1930 in Biwabik, Minnesota to Steven and Elsie (Laine) Thomas.  Gerri was a 1948 graduate of Gilbert High School and later worked for Higgins Industrial Supply.

On August 12, 1967 she married Jack A. Makela in Virginia.  Gerri retired in the bookkeeping department of Mt. Olivet Nursing Home in Minneapolis.

She was a member of the Gilbert United Methodist Church and its pasty sales, the Gilbert VFW Auxiliary and a former member of Holy Family Catholic Church in Eveleth.

She is survived by her husband, Jack; children: Toni Lee of Harrisburg, PA, Keith (Ella) Mancina of Eveleth and Jeannie Kennedy of Spring, TX; nine grandchildren; numerous great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren; sister, Marlene Kovich of Virginia and several nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Steven and Elsie; son, Michael (Debra) Mancina and granddaughter, Katherine Kennedy.

The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you for the wonderful care provided by the staff at Waterview Woods.  Your care and compassion for Gerri and her family has been appreciated.

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