Geraldine V. Cariveau
February 12, 1940 ~ December 31, 2024
Geraldine’s prayer service and funeral Mass will be livestreamed below starting at 7 PM Tuesday, January 7, and 2 PM Wednesday January 8, 2025.
Mass of Christian Burial:
Prayer Service:
Geraldine V. Cariveau, born February 12, 1940, as Geraldine Ann Vaplon, was the firstborn of Edward and Florence (Suchla) Vaplon. Geraldine grew up on a farm west of Lidgerwood, ND. She attended grade school at St. Boniface School and graduated from Lidgerwood High School in 1958.
She then entered the Hankinson convent of the Franciscan Sisters of Dillingen, where she spent 15 happy years as a nun. During those years, Geraldine earned a degree in elementary education from Alverno College in Milwaukee, WI. She taught in Catholic schools in North Dakota and a missionary school in Tanzania, East Africa. Her memorable experiences in Tanzania included a wildlife safari on the Serengeti Plains and climbing to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.
After leaving the Franciscan community Geraldine worked for St. Mary’s Cathedral and Birthright in Fargo. She met Darrell while on the staff at St. Mary’s and they married in 1977.
Geraldine furthered her education at NDSU, earning a Masters Degree in Counseling. She was a member of the North Dakota Counseling Association, serving in leadership positions and as a presenter. In 2012, she received the Association’s highest honor, the Glenn Dolan Award. Geraldine operated her business, FM Counseling Services, for 31 years and retired in 2018.
Her life is distinguished by a life-long devotion to the Catholic Church. She served as a religious educator for African immigrants at Holy Cross Catholic Church and was a founding member of the local chapter of the Secular Franciscan Order. She and Darrell attended daily Mass at Nativity Church, followed by coffee with their friends.
Geraldine was preceded in death by her parents, sister Dolores Bladow, brother-in-law Bob Jorgensen, and nephew Shane Bladow. She is survived by her husband Darrell, brother Arnold (Rhea), sisters Marilyn (Rodney Hoff), Colette Jorgensen and Evonne Vaplon, and nine nieces and nephews.
On Darrell’s side, Geraldine was preceded in death by brother-in-law Duane (Mary Pat) and sister-in-law Nancy Larson (Myron). She is survived by sisters-in-law Pam Swenson (Lyn) and Marcia Wahlstrand (Scott), and brothers-in-law George (Marilyn), Greg (Linda) and Ross (Shiloh).
Services
Visitation - Tuesday: January 7, 2025 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center
123 10th Street S.
Fargo, North Dakota 58103
701-237-6441
www.boulgerfuneralhome.com
Prayer Service - Tuesday: January 7, 2025 7:00 pm
Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center
123 10th Street S.
Fargo, North Dakota 58103
701-237-6441
www.boulgerfuneralhome.com
Visitation - Wednesday: January 8, 2025 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Holy Cross Catholic Church, West Fargo
2711 7th St E
West Fargo, ND 58078
(701) 282-7217
https://holycrosswestfargo.com/
Funeral Mass - Wednesday: January 8, 2025 2:00 pm
Holy Cross Catholic Church, West Fargo
2711 7th St E
West Fargo, ND 58078
(701) 282-7217
https://holycrosswestfargo.com/
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Thank you Geraldine and rest in peace, We are forever grateful.
I will miss your beautiful smile at early morning mass at Nativity. I didn’t know you long, but your quiet, gentle nature made an impact in my heart. You were a beautiful witness for Jesus and I was lucky to get to know you. He called you Home as your work here with us was finished, and He needed you in Heaven.
Darrell,
I have no words to ease your pain, just know that you are not alone. May God comfort you and your family, and give you strength.
I am very sorry to hear of Geraldine’s passing. I came to see her for a few years some time ago and often wondered how she was doing. Very sweet lady. My condolences to her family.
Gerry was the most kind and gentle woman. Darrell and she had a
marriage of great love and gentle spirits always. She will be greatly
missed by the Nativity friends after daily Mass. Peace, Gerry.
Bruce Cariveau& Carol
I first met Gerry many years ago when she was on the staff with me at St. Mary’s Cathedral School. Throughout the years since then, whenever our paths crossed, she greeted me with that warm smile of hers & treated me like a long lost friend. Her warmth & kindness were ever present. Daryl, you have my deepest sympathy – my prayers are with you!
My deepest sympathy to all the family.
Deepest sympathy, Darrell. Hoping your faith brings you comfort & peace at this difficult time. Donna & Roger Hentges
Our condolences to Geraldine’s family. Sorry for your loss.
I enjoyed my visits with Geraldine over the years. May her soul rest in eternal peace.
Darrell, so very sorry for your loss, my deepest sympathy. May all your “happy memories” give you comfort and peace .
Darrel
My thoughts and prayers are with you. Gerri was a remarkable and kind women. She was always so caring and thoughtful. She had a servants heart, and it showed in all the care she gave our African community at Holy Cross welcoming them and helping them get the services they needed to transition into our community. She always had a kind smile and genuine care when she talked with me and others.
She left her mark on our church and all those she met.
My sympathy to you on the loss of Geri. I’m sure you feel lost without her, Darrell. I have known Geri since the 80’s, but the last time I saw her was when we were both patients at PAM Rehab hospital in November 2023. Geri was such a soft and kind person and had such a nice smile. She will be missed by many.
My deepest sympathy to you all at this difficult time. Remembering her well lived life will be a comfort.
Darrell, so sorry to read about Gerry. We have lost touch over the many years we were teachers of CCL. You were both so helpful and willing to carry on for us. I lost Norris (Rip) 4 years ago. Miss him more each day, but we do carry on for Jesus. Peace be with you.