Pastor Geraldine Launstein, age 96, went to be with her Lord and Savior on November 3, 2015.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 7, 2015 at 11:00 am at the Corunna Church of the Nazarene, with Pastors Mike Prince and Bob Bebee officiating. Burial will follow at Pine Tree Cemetery in Corunna. The family will receive friends from 6:00 - 8:00 pm on Friday, November 6, 2015 at Watkins Brothers Funeral Homes, Corunna Chapel.
Geraldine was born on May 20, 1919 in Highland Park, Michigan. She was the daughter of Roy Angus and Sarah Iola Edmonds. She had 8 siblings. She is survived by her sister, Rosemary. She married Harvey Dutcher on September 16, 1937 in Hazel Park, MI. He predeceased her on May 31, 1974. Geraldine remarried Joseph Launstein on November 4, 1978. He predeceased her on January 31, 2006.
Geri graduated from Corunna High School, after raising 8 children. She received a Associate of Arts from Lansing Community College. She earned a Bachelor of Arts from Spring Arbor College. She became an ordained minister in the Free Methodist Church. She later transferred to the Church of the Nazarene and served in Corunna, MI; Charleston, South Carolina; and at the nursing home in Flemming Island, Florida.
She authored 3 books after turning 90 and was working on her 4th book. While living in Corunna, MI she volunteered with The ARC. Geri and Harvey were instrumental in establishing the first group home in MI and the first school for the mentally challenged. She was voted as National ARC volunteer of the year and was awarded a trip to Hawaii. She enjoyed challenging people in Rook and other games. She enjoyed a good crossword puzzle.
Pastor Geri is survived by Robert; Nancy; Arlene; Jean; Gerald (Kelly); David (Pearl); and Diantha. She was predeceased by son, Harvey (Candy) Dutcher, Jr. Pastor Geri was blessed with 24 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, and 14 great-great-grandchildren.
Donations may be made in lieu of flowers to: ARC of Shiawassee County or Gideon Bible Society.