Geraldine Ehlers Aldersea

Geraldine Jeri Ehlers Aldersea Jeri Aldersea, 99, of Tacoma, WA died peacefully on April 19, 2016 while surrounded by family. Jeri, daughter of Gerhardt and Lucy Ehlers, and loving wife of Robert William Aldersea, had three children: Luci-Lee (Aldersea) McGinty, Robert Michael Aldersea (deceased), and Gerhardt Gary William Aldersea. Jeri has many grandchildren, many great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. Jeri was born on December 27, 1916 in Mendota, IL. On November 12, 1938, when Jeri was 21, she married Robert Bob William Aldersea who became a Staff Sargent in the Army. The Army sent Bob and Jeri all over the world and wherever they went Jeri made Bob and her children feel like they were at home. They moved to Japan in the beginning of 1946, just after the end of World War 2. They lived in Japan for three years before coming back to the US and living in Georgia. From there they moved to England for two years, Germany for one year, then back to the US to live in Michigan. From Michigan they moved to Iran for two years in the mid 1950s when Iran was ruled by the Shah. Jeri gave birth to their third child, Gary, while they were living in Iran. From Iran they moved back to Germany, and then to France, before moving back to the US to live in Washington and then Colorado. They lived in Colorado for more than 20 years. While in Colorado they lived for several years in a chalet in the mountains at an elevation of 10,000 feet. After Bob died in 1997, Jeri moved back to Washington where she lived the last 19 years of her life. Jeri led a selfless life by taking care of her husband, their children, and their home. Her home was always neat and clean, warm and inviting, and filled with love. She was always ready to serve others and she made guests feel like they were family. Jeri also made sure that everyone was well fed. Her meals were amazing and she never measured any of the ingredients. We used to joke that she cooked dinner for lunch because her lunches were a full meal. She would make a main course, such as beef stroganoff, plus several side dishes and a dessert, such as a pie. Then for dinner she would make an entirely different main course with different side dishes and a different dessert. It was like having two dinners every day. A memorial service will be held for Jeri at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Lakewood, Washington on Saturday May 14th, at 2:00 PM. Prince of Peace Lutheran Church is located at: 10333 Bridgeport Way SW, Lakewood, WA 98499-2391. www.poplakewood.com Jeri was a faithful Christian who loved to read the Bible. She loved God and it showed in the way she always served others before herself. She cherished her church and the pastors who shepherded her through life. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Prince of Peace Lutheran Church of Lakewood.