Geraldine J. Kirby, 92, of Williston, ND passed away peacefully in her sleep on Sunday, October 5, 2025 at the Bethel Lutheran Nursing and Rehabilitation Home in Williston, ND.

Geraldine was born in Crosby, ND on July 2, 1933 to Albert and Olivene (Murphy) Koppang. She attended Outlook Country school No. 3 for eight years and then high school in Alamo, ND. She attended Minot State College for one year and earned a teaching certificate.

Geraldine taught school for one year at Blooming Prairie, where she lived in the basement of the one room schoolhouse. During the colder months, early in the morning, Gerry would get the coal burning stove started so the children had heat for the day. During this time, she met her husband Robert (Bob) Kirby.

Bob and Gerry were married on August 22, 1953 in Crosby, ND. Eventually they moved to Williston to raise their family. Gerry took on the role of mom and homemaker. We were all spoiled on mom’s cooking and baking. We have all strived to be as good as cook as she was but really nothing could compare to hers. In addition to raising seven children, she taught Sunday school, worked at JCPenney and Degree Jewelry, as well as at UND-W, where she began as a cook and later became the bookstore manager. Gerry was just honored by the Williston State College Foundation and received an award for Outstanding Faculty and Staff.

Bob and Geraldine enjoyed many years of traveling together. They would Snowbird down n Arizona and Texas, visiting their children. Enjoyed going on cruises and many bus trips with their good friends. Bob and Geraldine attended St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, where she was active in Catholic Daughters and Altar Band. She was also a member of the Red Hats Society and enjoyed her weekly pinochle game with friends. Geraldine had a love for her puppies, Little Ann, Cricket, and many grand puppies.

Geraldine is survived by her children, Monte (Mary) Kirby of Woodbury, MN, Scott (Sandy) Kirby of Tempe, AZ, Lynn (Margaret) Kirby of Maricopa, AZ, Guy Kirby of Naples, ID, Robin (Stuart) Nicolai of Lakehills, TX, Gerrie Lea (Jeff Bonsness) of Bismarck, ND, Les (Lori) Kirby of Spokane, WA; brother, Lowell (Pat) Koppang of Williston, ND; sisters, Maxine Renner of Alamo, ND, Connie West of Quincy, CA, Naomi Rusdal of Forsyth, MT; sister-in-law, Marietta Koppang of Williston, ND; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Geraldine is preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, Bob; her parents; her brother, Albert (Buddy) Koppang; brothers-in-law, Bob Rusdal, Leon West, Alfred Renner; grandson, Mikey Kirby; granddaughter, April Kirby.

Geraldine’s family would like to thank the staff of Bethel Lutheran Home for the loving care they provided during Geraldine’s time there.

In lieu of flowers, Geraldine would be honored if friends and family would donate to St. Joseph’s Catholic School.

Memorial Contribution

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