Geraldine Ann Kressin, 86

Achieving her goal of sticking around for her birthday month, Geraldine Ann Laatch Kressin passed on to her next adventure September 1, 2026, with family and a devoted caregiver by her side.

Geraldine (Gerry Ann) was born September 21, 1939, at home in Wheeler, Wisconsin, to Gwendolyn (Anderson) and Gerald Laatch. She was the older sister to Patricia. On October 4, 1958, Geraldine married Vernon Kressin in Colfax, Wisconsin. Together they traveled, laughed, danced, sang, raised three kids, and enjoyed family and friends along the way. After growing up and raising their family in Colfax, they chose new adventures and moved to Lakeland, Florida, in 1986.

From attending a one-room schoolhouse, graduating from Colfax High School in 1957, obtaining her Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Wisconsin-Stout in 1981, to walking across the stage and receiving her Master’s Degree from Florida State University in 2002, Geraldine was driven to succeed and set a wonderful example for her children, granddaughters, and great-grandsons.

Along the way, she was active in the Colfax Lutheran Church, served as a Girl Scout Leader, opened the “Fashion Boutique” women’s clothing store, and partnered with Vern in his many endeavors. After graduation from Stout, she was employed as a Case Manager for Vocational Rehabilitation agencies within Wisconsin and Florida. Retiring as a Supervisor for the State of Florida – Division of Blind Services, she and her family have been very proud of the successes she achieved in her chosen field.

Geraldine leaves behind a legacy of belief in lifting up others, the importance of education, and an abundance of love for family and friends.

Her boyfriend of 66 years, Vernon, paved the way for their next adventure in 2024. She is survived by their children Lori Kressin (Diane Whaley) of Charlottesville, VA; Susan Kressin of Lakeland, FL; and Michael Kressin (Dwight Pack) of Galveston, TX. Granddaughters Erika Watson, Madison (Stuart) Brazil, and Kylie Azzara (Jesus Martinez). Great-grandsons Bentley Watson and Elio Martinez. Sister Patricia (Laatch) Suckow; sister-in-law Marilyn (Kressin) Liesch; and treasured cousins, nieces, nephews, and family and friends. In her last days, she was surprised and comforted by the deep friendship that evolved with her friend and caregiver, Phyllis.

Geraldine will be greatly missed and forever loved.

There will be a service at 11:00 AM on Thursday, September 10, 2026, at First United Methodist Church of Lakeland (72 Lake Morton Dr.) in the Chapel, located on Walnut St. She will join Vernon the following day at Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, FL.

To send flowers or plant a memorial tree in memory, please visit our flower store.

Condolences may be sent to the family at https://www.heathfuneralchapel.com/obituaries/geraldine-kressin.