Geraldine “Jeri” Fern Kaufman Bartel of Scottsbluff went to her Lord and savior on July 23, 2021. She was peacefully lifted into heaven from Heritage Estates at the age of 80 after suffering years with Alzheimer’s. Cremation has taken place. A celebration of life in her honor will be held at 11 am Friday, July 30, at Salem Congregational Church with Pastor Dale Brown officiating. Private family interment will be held at Fairview Cemetery in Scottsbluff. Jeri’s family respectfully request that in lieu of any flowers, memorials in her honor can be made in care of the Quilters at Calvary Lutheran Church in Scottsbluff. Online condolences may be made by viewing Jeri’s memorial page at www.bridgmanfuneralhome.com. Bridgman Funeral Home in entrusted with arrangements.
Jeri was born January 11, 1941, to Alec and Pauline (Drumheller) Kaufman with twin brother Larry. She grew up on a farm with five loving brothers and sisters in Minatare. She attended Hope school and graduated from Minatare High School with wonderful friends in 1957.
Jeri met the love of her life through her sister Colleen. Harvey and Jeri were married on December 20, 1957. They relocated to Fort Worth, Texas where Harvey served in the Army. They started their family and made life-long friends. They moved to Washington State. It was there that Jeri first heard and saw a young, unknown singer, Loretta Lynn, who became one of her favorite county singers. After years living in Washington, the family moved to Colorado and 1975, now a family of five, they returned to the Valley.
Jeri enjoyed and took pride in baking, housekeeping, hosting brunches, sewing and tending to her grandchildren. She taught Sunday school, participated in Bible study, many church activities, and served on many committees. Her favorite was working and socializing with the quilting group. Jeri absolutely loved to host a brunch or dinner for family and friends. A brunch on the back patio with her aunts, cousins and sisters was always a joyful time with lots of good food, stories and laughing. She was known for her pies, Kuchen, cinnamon rolls, Sunday dinners and cabbage burgers but anything that came out of her kitchen was wonderful.
Jeri enjoyed her grandchildren immensely. She would pick up Randall and Emilee after school and always have a snack at the table waiting with books and games for later. When Madison came to visit, Jeri would set up the swimming pool and make Madison all her favorites. And anytime was a good time to get Dilly Bars. Being around and visiting with family and friends, these are the days that delighted Jeri.
Jeri kept a spotless house and enjoyed working in her flower gardens. Saturday mornings were always set for house cleaning to the sound of her country favorites on the stereo. We all looked forward to the afternoons and evenings that were spent with family and friends; cooking meals together, looking at the crops, solving world problems and playing cards all with laughter and love in our hearts.
Jeri will be sadly missed but there are many, many happy memories that will live on.
Jeri is survived by her children; Craig Bartel of Scottsbluff, Sonia (Reuben) Reisig of Scottsbluff, and Ann Marie (Aaron) Hernandez of Elk Horn, Ne, grandchildren; Emilee Reisig, Randall Reisig and Madison Hernandez, brothers; Larry (Sharon) Kaufman of Scottsbluff, Rick (Jacque) Kaufman of Scottsbluff, Rod Kaufman of Boise, ID, sister; Sharon (Pete) Bennis of Gold Canyon, AZ, and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Harvey Bartel; father and mother, Alec and Pauline (Shoopman) Kaufaman; and sister, Colleen Herman.
