Geri (Geraldine) M. Mockensturm

Geri (Geraldine) M. Mockensturm, aged 88 years, of Monclova, OH passed away on June 16, 2026, surrounded by her family at The Legacy at The Lakes of Monclova. Geri was born to Hattie (Matuszak) and Bernard Steinbart, Sr. on August 31, 1937 in Toledo, Ohio.

Geri grew up in the Reynolds Corners area in what was formerly Adams Township. Geri was a vivacious woman who was known for her beauty and smile and sly, sarcastic wit. She attended Holland High School, where she was a cheerleader, class officer and 1953 Homecoming Queen. She was outgoing and loved to talk to anyone she met. Her kids often lamented having to shop with her as it turned into a marathon - she knew many people in Reynolds Corners and had conversations with everyone. She was incredibly talented and artistic; she could bake and decorate beautiful cakes that could rival any professional. She made the most stunning flower arrangements, and she decorated every one of the homes in which she lived. Each was gorgeous. She missed her calling as an interior designer. She was also an avid gardener with a passion for pink and purple flowers. She would spend countless hours working in the yard creating beautiful outdoor spaces.

Geri married William (Bill) Palicki in 1958 and they had four children together: Karen Lemle (Roger), Roxanne Grinonneau (Lee), Libby Mcilwain (Tom Spy) and Brad Palicki (Stacy).They built a home on Carnation Drive, which was around the corner from her parents and brother and sister-in-law. They raised their family in this home. She was very active at Our Lady of Lourdes parish and school, where her children attended. Later, she married Carl Mockensturn in 1984 and they were married until his death in 2022.

Geri started her professional career as a legal secretary, of which she was very proud. She also worked from home as a transcriber of court proceedings for individual court reporters and later was employed by Samborn, Steketee, Otis and Evans (currently the SSOE Group), first as the head of the word processing department and then as Mr. Samborn’s executive secretary. She and Mr. Samborn became life-long friends.

While married to Carl, they traveled extensively, visiting several countries in Europe and Asia, Russia and the Caribbean. They also enjoyed playing golf together, belonging to The Forest Country Club in Fort Myers, FL and Brandywine in Maumee, OH. They were also avid card players, playing bridge with their friends and euchre with family.

Geri was preceded in death by her parents, Hattie and Bernard, her brother, Bernard Steinbart Jr., her first husband Bill Palicki, and her husband Carl Mockensturm. She is survived by her sister, Jacqueline Dailey (Ted Pawlicki), her sister Bernadine Roberts (George), her sister-in-law, Patti Steinbart, her children, 13 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Geri’s family would like to thank the staff and caregivers at The Legacy at The Lakes of Monclova for the excellent care she received in the last four years of her life. Special thanks to Tessa Harmon (The Legacy director), nurses Jackie and Sarah, and Emily and Sue, her aides.

Hospice of Northwest of Ohio also assisted in Geri’s care the last month of her life. Her family is greatly appreciative of their care, guidance and support.

Remembrance of Geri will be held at Newcomer Funeral Home, (Southwest Chapel) 4752 Heatherdowns Blvd., Toledo, OH, from 3pm - 8-pm on Wednesday, June 24th with Rosary recitation at 7:00 pm. Catholic burial Mass will take place at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 6149 Hill Ave., Toledo, OH on Thursday, June 25th at 11:00 am. Entombment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery.  Memorial contributions can be made in Geri’s memory to The Alzheimer’s Association or Hospice of Northwest Ohio.