Germaine "Gerry" B. Nitz/Esser, age 81, of Oshkosh, passed away on Thursday, November 17, 2016, at her home.
She was born on November 25, 1934, in Oshkosh, daughter of the late Joseph and Ida (Ratchman) Reichenberger. On June 6, 1953, she married the first love of her life, John E. Nitz, Jr. He preceded her in death on July 9, 1992. On November 2, 2002 she married the second love of her life, Lawrence T. Esser. He preceded her in death on March 18, 2013.
She retired from the Kmart Corporation in 1998 after 23 years of service. Gerry was a long time member of Saint Vincent/Jude the Apostle Parish where she was involved with Christian Women, crafts and ladies choir. She volunteered at Father Carr's and many charitable organizations. She was active in Red Hats, Tops, Oshkosh Senior Center and Widowed Persons. Gerry loved going to plays, dances and playing cards. She enjoyed knitting, embroidering and crocheting. Most of all, she loved the many grandchildren she was blessed with. Gerry was remembered as being very loving, kind, compassionate, a good mother and grandmother.
She is survived by her sons: Michael (Colleen) of Van Dyne, Steven (Mary) of Oshkosh, and Thomas of Oshkosh; daughters: Cindy Martinez of Arizona, Donna (Mike) Perry of Oakfield, and Annmarie (former husband, Keith Simmons) Nitz of Oshkosh; step-son, Peter (Kim) Esser of Washington; grandchildren: Jennifer (Randall) Schoonover, Joseph (Angie) Nitz, Nicholaus Nitz, Amy (Chris) Jackson, Wendy (Troy) Schneider, Miranda Martinez, Sarah Jowett, Amanda Larson, Jessica Larson, Elizabeth Nitz, Dillon Simmons and Dalton Simmons; many step-grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and many other relatives.
She was preceded in death by her parents; first husband, John Nitz, Jr.; second husband, Lawrence Esser; brothers: Joseph and Richard Reichenberger; infant daughter, Amy Nitz; and grandsons: Jeremy and Aaron Jowett, and Mario Martinez.
Visitation will be held at St. Jude the Apostle Parish, Saint Vincent Site, 1225 Oregon St., Oshkosh on Wednesday, November 23, 2016 from 10:00 a.m. until the Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. Officiating the mass is Father Matt Simonar. Burial to follow at Wilhelmina Cemetery, Town of Black Wolf. A memorial in Gerry's name has been established.
Gerry's family would like to express a very special thank you for the care, compassion and love given by the staff from Generations Hospice Care and the staff from Home Care Assistance, especially Ashley and Paula, of whom Gerry was very fond of.