Germaine “Gerri” Okray, 93

Germaine “Gerri” Okray, of Stevens Point, died June 26, 2025, at Marshfield Medical Center – River Region Hospital in Stevens Point. She was 93.

Gerri was born Dec. 7, 1931, in Stevens Point, the daughter of the late Bernard and Margaret (née Mrozinski) Koss. She was a lifelong resident of Stevens Point, even living with her grandparents for a time during World War II while her mother worked at a defense plant in Milwaukee. In 1948, Gerri proudly graduated from St. Joseph Academy.

She later married Al Okray, and together they built a life rooted in love and hard work. They were blessed with 47 years of marriage until Al’s passing. Gerri was a strong, independent woman who led by example. She cherished the love of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, taking pride in their milestones and attending their events. She spent treasured time with them in the pool and was a proud role model to her family. When speaking of her family, Gerri would say, “I won’t be here for all of your lives, but I’ve loved you for all of mine.”

Gerri was an avid reader and world traveler. She visited 24 countries, 20 islands, and 46 of the 50 states, wintering in Florida for more than 30 years. She loved animals and co-owned thoroughbred racehorses, including champion Flying Gerri. She also had a well-known collection of elephants.

Gerri was a pioneer in her field, becoming the first woman elected to the National Potato Board, one of the original members of the Wisconsin Potato Growers Auxiliary, and the second woman inducted into the Wisconsin Potato and Vegetable Growers Association. She also served three terms as president of the WPGA.

While dedicated to her work and family, she also enjoyed time with friends, often visiting casinos, laughing, and making memories.

Survivors include her children, Tracy Thrun (Chuck), Jim Okray (Heidi), and Vicki Peskie (Alan); her grandchildren, Alex Okray (Anna), Kaitlyn Grupp (Alex), Annalisa Okray, Charlie Okray, and Sam Peskie; and her great-grandchild, Hazel Okray.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Al Okray; her brother, Jerome Koss; and her parents.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to the Boys and Girls Club of Portage County, where a tribute will be established in her name.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Dr. Dominee Manzon and her assistant, Courtney, as well as the nurses at Marshfield Clinic/Hospital in Stevens Point, for their exceptional care.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, July 3, 2025, at St. Peter Catholic Church, 800 Fourth Ave., Stevens Point. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 2, at Shuda Funeral Chapel, 3200 Stanley St., with a General Rosary at 6:30 p.m. Visitation will also be held at the church in the St. Faustina Room on Thursday from 10 a.m. until the time of service.

Shuda Funeral Chapel is assisting the family.