Geraldine "Geri" Vinzant

A memorial service celebrating Geri Vinzant's life will be held on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the Community Building in Bertrand, Nebraska, with Dwight Delaet officiating. A luncheon and time of fellowship will follow. An inurnment will be held at a later date at the Highland Cemetery in Bertrand.

Geraldine Louise Vinzant, beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on July 11, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, strength, and deep Nebraska roots. She was born on September 13, 1935, in North Platte, Nebraska to her parents Mabel Lillian Louise Anderson and Einar Gerald Nelson.

Geri grew up with a lively and close-knit family, with her siblings Richard (Dick) Louis Anderson, Ardith Ann Tomes (Nelson), Gloria May Way (Nelson), and Daryl Eugene Nelson. She graduated from Lexington High School in 1953.

Her life changed in the summer of 1952, during a visit to Bertrand, Nebraska. Accompanying her sister, Ardith, to Mike's Drug Store for ice cream, she caught the attention of a young man named Paul George Vinzant. From that simple meeting bloomed a lifelong love story. Geri married George Vinzant on December 28, 1953.

Together they raised three children, Peggy Sue DeLaet, Boyd William Vinzant, and Harold Steven Vinzant. During her life, Geri took on many different roles beyond that of mother and wife. In high school, she began working as a telephone operator and waitress at Wally's Cafe. After that, she transitioned into life as a dedicated farm wife. When George decided to attend barber school, Geri supported the family through several moves in California including Lemon Grove, Escondido, and Santa Ana, working in a BBQ restaurant, candling eggs, and later working as a meat wrapper.

Eventually, the family returned to Nebraska, where Geri found new ways to serve her community. She was deeply involved in the St. Paul Lutheran Church, where she taught Wednesday School and took part in many church activities. She was an active member of the Eagles, Red Hat Society, she volunteered at the Bertrand Nursing Home and Assisted Living Center, and enjoyed lively afternoons at the Bertrand Senior Center. She loved playing pinochle, bingo, pitch, and many other games. She enjoyed spending time with her friends and drinking as much hot coffee as she could.

Geri had a passion for life's simple joys: watching football, listening to the scanner, scrolling Facebook to keep up with loved ones, and planting flowers in the spring. Throughout her life, her greatest happiness came from the time she spent with friends and family. She would never miss a chance to tell you how proud of her family she was. It was her greatest enjoyment getting to spend time with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

Geri was preceded in death by her mother Mabel Lillian Louise Anderson and father Einar Gerald Nelson, her husband George Vinzant, and her siblings Richard (Dick) Anderson, Ardith Tomes, Gloria Way, and Daryl Nelson.

Geri is survived by her children and their families, including grandchildren and great grandchildren, Peggy (Dwight) DeLaet, her son Jeremy (Rebecca) Jesionowicz, their children Caden, Leland, Silas, and Elena; Boyd (Cindy) Vinzant, his daughters Rachel (Jeff), their daughter Faith and  Natalie (Tyler), their children Jacob, Jaden, and their grandchild Grayson; Harold (Tabatha) Vinzant, his children Brittnee (Nicholas), their son Wells, Destiney (Jose), Alexandria (Deondray), Reece, and Mulisha. She is survived by her sister-in-law Alice (Richard) Anderson. Geri is also survived by many cousins, nieces, nephews, and other family members she loved dearly.

Geri Vinzant lived a life grounded in love, family, faith, and community. Her wit, kindness, and steady presence will be missed dearly by all who knew her. She was proud of her roots, fiercely loyal, and always quick with a smile or a story. Geri's life was rich with meaning, and she leaves behind generations of love.

There will be no viewing or visitation. The family is honoring Geri's wish for cremation.

Geri's family would request that any donations or flowers be given to the Bertrand Young at Heart Senior Center in Geri's honor.

Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com

The Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege is in charge of the arrangements.