Monica Ann Geersen

Monica Ann Geersen, age 78, of Yankton, South Dakota, died peacefully on Thursday, October 11, 2018 at Avera Sister James Care Center in Yankton after a 60-year battle with Type 1 diabetes. Mass of Christian Burial is 10:30 AM, on Monday, October 15, 2018 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Yankton with Reverend Larry Regynski officiating. Burial will be in the Sacred Heart Cemetery in Yankton. Visitation is from 2:00 to 5:00 PM, on Sunday, October 14 at Wintz & Ray Funeral Home in Yankton with a vigil service at 4:00 PM. Visitation resumes one hour prior to the funeral service at the church. Pallbearers are Jim, Mason, Kate and Casey Schramm and Claire and Will Geersen. Monica was born July 18, 1940 in Yankton, South Dakota, the only daughter of Harold and Mary (Walsh) Cunningham. Monica loved her family and dogs and enjoyed vacation and summer boating excursions. She was quite athletic and performed in synchronized swimming in college. Monica graduated from Mount Marty High School in Yankton and attended the University of South Dakota in Vermillion, where she studied psychology and was a member of Pi Beta Phi sorority. In 1960, she married the love of her life, Neil Geersen, whom she shared a full life with until his death in 1999. Monica worked as a secretary and office assistant at Royal Athletic Company for several years. In addition to raising four children, she also volunteered at Sacred Heart Church and local elementary schools, as well as serving as a prayer chain support person for infirmed neighbors of the community. Fitting with her name, which means, “to advice,” Monica was a caring and loving mother and counselor. She brought warmth, laughter and comfort to so many over the years. She will be deeply missed. Monica is survived by her two daughters, Susan Geersen (Joanna Duenas) of Denver, CO and Stacy (Jim) Schramm of Yankton; two sons, David Geersen of Yankton and Paul (Nancy) Geersen of Highlands Ranch, CO; and four grandchildren Mason (Kate) Schramm, Casey Schramm, Claire and Will Geersen. Monica was preceded in death by her parents; and husband, Neil Geersen on April 5, 1999. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be sent in her name to Pathways Shelter for the Homeless, 412 E. 4th Street, Yankton, SD, 57078. To send an online message to the family, please visit www.wintzrayfuneralhome.com.