Geraldine Zinke

ROCK FALLS – Geraldine “Geri or Sis” Irene Zinke, 63, of Rock Falls, died Sunday, Nov. 15, 2009, at her home, surrounded by her loving family, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Geraldine was born Sept. 17, 1946, in Sterling, the daughter of Wayne and Evelyn (Collier) VanDusen. She was married to Arthur Raymond Zinke on Sept. 17, 1964, in Rock Falls, by the late Rev. Shiffer. Arthur passed away on Nov. 24, 1999.

She was employed at Kline’s and then at Farm & Fleet until her death. She enjoyed traveling and spending time with her family and friends.

Survivors include three daughters, Dana (Terry) Behn and Sue (George) Cantu, both of Rock Falls, and Terri Zinke of Sterling; six grandchildren, Nicole and Tara Behn, Tiffany and Tonya Cantu, and Abrianna Moton and Jordan Zinke; one great-grandson, Brayden Behn; two brothers, Delbert (the late Sue) VanDusen of Knoxville, Tenn. and Ronnie (Linda) VanDusen of Sterling; two sisters, Jean (Terry K.) Decker of Morrison and Deb (Jerry) Chapman of Sterling; several nieces and nephews; and special friend, Ron Jacobs of Rock Falls.

She was preceded in death by her husband and her parents.

Funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at McDonald Funeral Home, Rock Falls, with Pastor Dalmus Meeks of Harvest Time Bible Church, Rock Falls, officiating. Burial will be at Riverside Cemetery, Sterling. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.

A memorial has been established to Hospice of the Rock River Valley.

Visit www.mcdonaldfuneralhomes.com to send condolences.