Sister Geraldine Krom
November 29, 1927 ~ May 19, 2021
Violet Josephine Krom was born November 29, 1927 to John L. and Rose Bisihn Krom, near Langdon, ND. She lived there until she was in the eighth grade. She attended a one-room rural school near Easby, ND. After her mother's death, she lived in St. John’s Orphanage and attended high school at Sacred Heart Academy in Fargo.
While living at St. John's Orphanage, Violet was impressed and inspired by the Presentation Sisters' ministry to the homeless and needy children housed and cared for there. It was this modeling and example that attracted her to the Sisters, and she wanted to be part of that work. Hence, on Feb. 11, 1945, she entered Sacred Heart Convent in Fargo. At her reception, August 15, 1945, she was named Sr. Mary Geraldine. She was professed on August 16, 1947 and celebrated her Diamond Jubilee on August 16, 2017.
During her 74 years of ministry in the Congregation, Sr. Geraldine has served three different times at the Bishop's Residence as cook and housekeeper to the late Bishops Dworschak and Driscoll, plus the many clergy and guests invited to 608 Broadway. She served in a similar capacity at St. Alphonsus School, Langdon; City Hospital, New Rockford; the former St. Joseph Hospital in Grafton; St. Michael's Rectory in Grand Forks; and Cardinal Muench Seminary where she was head cook. Sr. Geraldine spent seven years of retirement in Portsmouth, OH with her beloved dog, Molly. The community of Portsmouth surrounded Sr. Geraldine with love and affection.
Wherever Sr. Geraldine has been she came through as a quiet light exuding rays of warmth and caring. She did whatever she could to make each place she served a warm and welcoming home of hospitality by her generous, helpful attitude, good-natured and quiet sense of humor.
Sr. Geraldine is pre-deceased by her parents, her four sisters, Rose Hooey, Mary Avery, Lillian Doxrud, Betty Blom and her four brothers: Walter, Jake, Edward and Ralph.
Sr Geraldine, You were a sweet blessing. May God hold you in his loving arms. 🙏🏼
Sr. Geraldine, may you be rejoicing with the angels! I so much enjoyed my time with Sr. Geraldine in my time working at the seminary from 1988 – 2001.
Rest in peace Sr. Geraldine. You looked so happy and healthy the last time I saw you at Dr. Weiler’s funeral about five years ago. It was nice that we were all together again just as it will be when we are all together again in the next life.
May Sr. Geraldine rest in eternal peace. She was a joy to work with at Cardinal Muench Seminary – may she now enjoy the fruit of her labors in the heavenly kingdom.
I had some wonderful conversations with Sister Geraldine during my time at CMS as Vocation Director. We enjoyed talking about cooking and gardening. She was a woman of great faith and strength. She was a great cook, and boy could she pinch a penny!
Sister, I hope Jesus has girded Himself and is waiting on you at the eternal banquet in heaven.
Rest peacefully dear Sister Geraldine. Many people were blessed because of your kindness, generosity, and talent. I’m thankful to have had to opportunity to witness your example of charity and service during the four years I lived in Fargo. May perpetual light shine upon you.
May she rest in peace. She was a joy to work for when helping in the kitchen. She had a true love for the seminary and students.
From 1986-1990, I was a seminary student at CMS. we all had jobs, and mine was to help with breakfast. We had many discussions about the best way to make Cream of Wheat!!!! Over the years I have visited with Sr. Geraldine….and the joy she had when others took time to say hello. She was a tough lady on the outside…..but she was cream of wheat on the inside. May she Rest In Peace. Fr. Wilhelm
Sr. Geraldine was an amazing cook and a very motherly figure to so many young men at Cardinal Muench Seminary. I was blessed to have known her. May her soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen!
Sister Geraldine was a wonderful cook during her stint at CMS. Not only did we enjoy her cooking, but she was always looking out for each of us seminarians if she thought we needed a little extra on our plates. Her spaghetti sauce helped raise thousands of dollars for our school. She was a great inspiration, ab ovo usque ad mala!! Mark and Rick (Ricky) Mathern, high school classes of 1978 and 1988
Sister Geraldine was such a kind and intelligent woman who gave such great guidance to me while at Cardinal Meunch. She was more than a head cook. I always had great respect for this woman. I don’t think she is given the credit she deserves. To this day I repeat ( with a smile) what she once told me, “Patience is virtue, keep it if can. Seldom in a woman, never in a man.” And,,,, she was absolutely right. God bless you. Tony Fieber, CMS high school and college 81 – 86.
Sister Geraldine was always a warm and generous presence at the Seminary where my dad taught and where we spent many hours as kids tagging along for various events or attending mass. I have so many fond memories of the annual Carnival and Spaghetti Dinners, where she worked hard (but always with a friendly smile) to serve us plates and plates of good food. May she Rest In Peace.
Rest In the Peace of Jesus, dear Sister Geraldine. Thank you for many years of love and care. Your laugh was infectious. Praying you and Monsignor Gross and Wally have a blessed reunion along with so many of your loved ones.
Thank you Sr. Geraldine for your service to the Church. You are truly a women of God. Sister, you were always an inspiration to me and our fellow seminarians.
Sister Geraldine was always a friendly and kind woman. Our condolences to all her Sisters and her family. Sorry I will not be able to make it to the funeral. God bless you all. Gary and Pat