Geraldine Klepek

Geraldine Klepek, age 81, a devoted mother of three and the loving wife of the late Michael Klepek, passed away peacefully on the afternoon of January 13, 2026, after living a full and meaningful life.

Geraldine was born in Amherst, Ohio, to George and Florence Gnizak and was the eldest of seven children. She made her home in Vermilion, Ohio, where she was a faithful and active member of St. Mary’s Parish.

She was a graduate of Elyria Catholic High School and Bowling Green State University and was also a member of 4-H through the S-R-Soloettes Club. Geraldine was a talented artist and photographer who found joy and creative expression through oil painting, oil pastel drawing, and photography. She especially loved capturing images of her grandchildren and the beauty of nature. Her passion for photography earned her several local contest awards throughout her life.

Professionally, Geraldine dedicated her career to business administrative support roles with several respected organizations, including Moen Corporation, Barr Rubber Products, St. Joseph Hospital, and Harbor Town Plastics.

Geraldine greatly enjoyed family vacations and traveled extensively throughout the United States and overseas. Some of her favorite memories were trips out west to Colorado and Kansas. Later in life, she and her late husband Michael cherished several European vacations together.

In her quieter moments, Geraldine found comfort and peace in reading her Bible. She was also an avid bird watcher and deeply cherished her daily ritual of “Breakfast with the Birds,” spending tranquil mornings observing the birds in her backyard.

Geraldine is survived by her sons, Ken Klepek (Kim) of McCordsville, Indiana; Kevin Klepek of Vermilion, Ohio; and Jeremy Klepek of Elyria, Ohio; and by her beloved grandchildren, Conner Klepek and Madison Klepek. She is also survived by her siblings: Louise (Gnizak) Berrington of Elyria, Ohio; Patricia (Gnizak) Gifford of Mansfield, Ohio; Joseph Gnizak of Louisville, Kentucky; Diane (Gnizak) Melody of Vermilion, Ohio; Charles Gnizak of Buffalo, New York; and Catherine (Gnizak) Varner of Oberlin, Ohio.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Michael Klepek; and her parents, George and Florence (nee Bonk) Gnizak.

The family will receive friends on Friday, January 16, 2026, from 4:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. at Riddle Funeral Home, 5345 South Street, Vermilion, OH 44089. Prayers will be said at the funeral home on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Parish, 731 Exchange Street, Vermilion. Burial will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery, Vermilion.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to American Heart Association 1375 East 9th Street #600, Cleveland, OH 44114.

Online condolences may be shared at www.riddlefuneralhome.com.