Geraldine "Gerry" Kjell, age 94, passed away on October 20, 2025. She was born on May 15, 1931, the daughter of Joseph and Mildred (Liss) Spakowitz. Gerry grew up in and around Pulaski, Wisconsin, and graduated from Pulaski High School in the spring of 1948.

Shortly after graduation, she met Raymond L. Kerr, and together they set off on an adventure that spanned nearly 25 years. The two took on a variety of jobs, including a brief but memorable period traveling the country with a circus. While they worked behind the scenes rather than as performers, it remained one of those "not everyone can say they did that" chapters of Gerry's life. Eventually, they settled in Milwaukee, married, and both worked for a number of years at Continental Can.

Though she never had children of her own, Gerry poured her love and energy into her niece, Cheryl, and nephew, Brad. Birthdays and Christmases often meant a car full of toys arriving at the house. She created many happy memories with them—train trips, countless visits to the Milwaukee County Zoo and museum, and big-city shopping sprees. She was, without question, a very fun aunt.

In the mid-1970s, Gerry and Ray went their separate ways. Gerry remained in Milwaukee and continued working at Continental Can, where she later met her future husband, Walter "Wally" Kjell. After her retirement in 1982, she and Wally moved to Pembine, Wisconsin, where they built a home and a life together, marrying on September 14 of that year. They enjoyed the quiet beauty of the Northwoods—gardening, camping, and spending time outdoors. Wally loved to hunt and fish, while Gerry enjoyed knitting and crochet, and books and reading.

After Wally's passing in 2004, Gerry continued to live in their forest home, embracing both the solitude and the company of the many visitors to her yard: the birds she faithfully fed, along with wild turkeys, deer, and even the occasional bear. She was also well known for her deep fondness for cats.

Gerry kept an active social life with friends Carol, Gladys, Linda, Joanne and others, especially during their "girls' weekends" and getaways. They loved attending concerts at the Island Resort & Casino, where they saw performers such as Charley Pride, Randy Travis, T.G. Sheppard, and Loretta Lynn. Gerry also treasured good laughs and good company, including visits with Tim and Melissa and dinners at Paris in Pembine.

She was especially grateful for her neighbors, Fran and Lois Kidd. Their kindness—cutting grass, clearing snow, and tackling the many maintenance tasks that come with a home in the woods—allowed Gerry to remain in the place she loved for many more years than would have otherwise been possible.

Gerry had a generous heart and a strong desire to care for others. She lovingly helped in the later years of her aunt Esther (Liss)—whom she considered more like a sister than an aunt—and Esther's husband, Orville "Bob" Leschinsky. She also gave her time in volunteer work with The American Legion Auxiliary and the VA in Iron Mountain. She also donated to area shelters.

In recent years, Gerry formed a very close friendship with Lori Ruechel of Pembine. Lori's friendship, care, and support meant a great deal to Gerry and to the entire family, who remain deeply grateful for her presence in Gerry's life.

Gerry was preceded in death by her husband, Walter "Wally" Kjell; her parents and grandparents; her sister-in-law, Patricia (Szczepanski) Spakowitz; and her beloved cat, Buster.

She is survived by her brother, Wayne Spakowitz; her nephew, Brad Spakowitz; her niece, Cheryl (Spakowitz) Zastrow; and Cheryl's three children, Kelsey, Sierra, and Taylor.

In keeping with Gerry's wishes, there will be no memorial service. She was very clear that she didn't want anyone to cry—she said that if they did, "she would never talk to them again!" Those were her words, and they capture her sense of humor perfectly.

Remember Gerry often—with a smile.