Geraldine Ann Korpinen

Geraldine Ann Korpinen, 1936-2020 We never understood why she read the obituaries. “It’s so depressing!” we’d say. “Don’t think about that stuff!” But she would just shake her head and smile; “It’s beautiful,” she’d say. Everyone has such beautiful stories written about them.” And against all of our wishes, it’s time to put pen to paper and tell the most beautiful one of them all. The characters in this story are as follows: Geraldine Ann Korpinen (Ritek), Gerry, “Mummum,” age 83, passed away lovingly surrounded by her family on August 17, 2020. She was born August 31, 1936, in Painesville, Ohio. She was the daughter of the late John and Mary Ritek and is preceded in death by the love of her life and husband of 47 years, O. Kenneth Korpinen and her wonderful, loving daughter, Jennifer Korpinen. Gerry is survived by children: Kimberly (Mike) Guenther and Kenneth Korpinen. Grandchildren: Samantha (Jim Corona) Guenther, Sarah (Adam Igrasek) Guenther, Kord Korpinen and Zachary Korpinen. Siblings: Betty (Dick) Dunn and John Ritek. But, what we'd rather tell you, is this: Gerry would beat you at any card game you decided to play-even ones you just taught her that she “just didn’t understand.” She was a die-hard Indians fan, but loved watching her grandchildren play ball even more. She never missed a game. At the whim of her husband, she took on operating an entire working farm. Gerry did EVERYTHING for her family from building tack boxes, driving to every kind of lesson or sport, to long winter hikes that ended in hot chocolate and cookies. She earned a college degree while raising three children. She enjoyed working at Lakeland Community College. Watching the silly antics of the family pets never failed to put a huge smile on her face. She was a romantic at heart, loved going to movies and had one hell of a sweet tooth. Her wit was unmatched until the very end. She was stubborn, intelligent, and awe-inspiring. And the climax of this story? Her family was her world and she was the sun around which we revolved. There is nothing she wouldn’t do for her loved ones. She was selfless, compassionate, and understanding, and you had her full attention whenever it was wanted. Gerry, Mom, Mummum, Honey Girl-we’re sorry to disappoint, but it’s utterly impossible to weave a story that can encompass the depth of your soul or the impression you left behind. The story would never end! Without fail, we would always remember yet another amazing memory you gifted us. So, maybe we just never stop telling it. Maybe it doesn’t end here, on paper, in the obituary section. Maybe it simply lives on forever; told by the people that knew and loved you. After all, it’s the most beautiful story we know. The family will receive friends 1:00 – 2:30 pm Friday August 21, 2020 at Brunner Sanden Deitrick Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 8466 Mentor Ave., Mentor, OH 44060. Masks are required and social distancing is encouraged during all publicly attended events. The funeral service will be 2:30 pm Friday at the funeral home. Masks are required and social distancing is encouraged during all publicly attended events. Contributions may be made to Happy Trails Farm Animal Sanctuary, Inc., 5623 New Milford Rd, Ravenna, OH 44266. Happytrailsfarm.org Please offer condolences at www.brunners.com

Geraldine Ann Korpinen

August 31, 1936 - August 17, 2020