Geraldine A. “Gerri” Schmelzle, 84, of Seneca, Kansas, died Wednesday evening, December 13, 2006, at Life Care Center in Seneca.

Gerri was born on October 4, 1922 in Seneca, one of four children of Dr. George L. Noll and Barbara E. Krier Noll. Gerri attended Sts. Peter & Paul School in Seneca.

She married Phil Minnehan. They lived in Fresno, California, where they raised their three children, Elaine, Phillip, and Jaqua. Gerri moved back to Seneca in November of 1979.

Gerri was an avid traveler, often going from Seneca to California to visit her children. She enjoyed renovating old houses, both in Seneca and in California. She loved antiques and her beloved dogs. Gerri was well known for her “quirky” personality which endeared her to many by bringing laughter to any situation.

She was a member of Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church and St. Ann’s Altar Society at the church in Seneca.

On September 13, 1986 Gerri married Eugene F. “Gene” Schmelzle. She and Gene moved from their farm into Seneca.

Survivors besides her husband Gene include a son, Phillip Minnehan of Fresno, California; a daughter, Jaqua Beldin of Fresno; eight step-sons, John “Jack” and Charles Schmelzle, both of Atchison, Larry Schmelzle of Oneida, Robert Schmelzle of Axtell, Donald Schmelzle of Manhattan, William of Salina, and David and Patrick Schmelzle, both of Seneca; four step-daughters; Marjean Severin of Axtell, Dee Hudgens of Prairie Village, Jean Rasmussen of Westmoreland, and Janice Larrison of Topeka; 54 grandchildren / step-grandchildren; and 67 great-grandchildren/ step-grandchildren.

Gerri was preceded in death by her daughter, Elaine Kovac; her sister, Lucille Haug; two brothers, Dr. Robert M. Noll and Dr. C.M. Noll; and a grandchild.

Mass of Christian burial will be offered at 2 PM Saturday at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Seneca. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Rosaries will be prayed at 3 & 8 PM Friday at Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca.

Memorial contributions may be given for Parkinson’s disease research, and sent in care of the family.