Geraldine "Gerri" T. Tobolski

    Geraldine Tobolski 7-11-1929 to 8/5/2026

With her children by her side, Geraldine “Gerri” Tobolski, 97, peacefully passed away at Wellbrooke Assisted Living Facility on Wednesday morning, August 5th.  She was born in South Bend to the late Louis and Berniece (Kilinski) Sniadecki on July 11, 1929.  On October 22, 1949, Gerri married the love of her life, Jerome “Jerry” Tobolski in St. Stanislaus Catholic Church.  Known as Geri and Jerry, they celebrated 61 years of marriage until his passing in 2011.  

 Gerri was also preceded in death by her son Terry in 2013, and by her sister Bernadine Strantz, and brothers Irvin and Joseph Sniadecki.

  Left to cherish her memory are her children Larry (Betty) Tobolski, Gary Tobolski, Mary (Al) Kirsits, Shari (Brian) Kelley, and grandchildren Nick and Ben Tobolski, Trent (Ashley) Tobolski, Sara Tobolski, Tiffany (David) Jones, Monica (Adam) Speigal, Christopher (Jamie) Tobolski, Jonathan (Chelsie) Kirsits, Kyle Kirsits, Hanna Kirsits, Ryan (Ailee) Darmos, Alex (Becca) Darmos, Brian Kelley and River Kelley.  Affectionately known as “Gigi”, Gerri was blessed with 7 great grandchildren:  Zoey, Aide, Brooks, Jerome, Everette, Adelaide and Harrison. 

 As a high school senior, Gerri was introduced to her future husband Jerry, as a soldier on leave from the Pacific Theatre. Known simply as “Gerri and Jerry”, their marriage embraced church, family, traveling, dancing, grandchildren events and having fun.  Fond of Big Band music, they belonged to several clubs that allowed them to perform ballroom dancing that was performed with an elegance that rivaled professionals.  After Jerry’s passing, Gerri continued the tradition of hosting family holidays in her home and demonstrated a spirited independence by driving herself to family events, euchre club, shopping, church and meticulously maintaining and living in her home until the very end. A devout Catholic, Gerri said the rosary every morning, attended mass regularly, and would watch it on tv if health reasons kept her away.  Her kindness and fairness were demonstrated by her calling and visiting sick friends, and the inevitable card that she sent to every relative, friend or extended family member that celebrated birthdays and holidays.  Gerri wanted everyone to be welcomed and loved.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, August 14, 2026 at 12:00 pm at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 1050 Wilber St, South Bend, IN. Visitation will be held from 10:30 am until 12:00 pm prior to the Mass.  Interment will occur later at Sacred Heart Cemetery.

They family would like to thank the staff at Wellbrooke of South Bend and Luminary Hospice for their kind and compassionate care given to our mother.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Holy Cross Catholic Church.

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