Geraldine (Geri) Lucielle Tekavec (née Moteberg), age 84, of Anoka, MN, formerly of Coon Rapids, MN died Thursday, July 1, 2021 surrounded in love by her family. She is remembered as a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. Geri was born December 7, 1936 the first of nine children to Gilbert and Lily (Garden) Moteberg in Sundahl Township, MN. She was raised with her siblings on a farm northeast of Gary, MN. As the first child and oldest daughter, Geri helped to raise her siblings. Brought up in a devout Lutheran Missouri Synod family, Geri kept her faith central to her life. After graduating high school, Geri attended North Central Bible College in Minneapolis, MN. She quickly attained a prestigious position as an insurance underwriter at Minnesota Mutual in downtown Saint Paul, MN where she would dedicate a 42 year career. A mismatched but auspicious blind double-date introduced her to her future husband. On September 29, 1960 Geri was united in marriage to Albert (Al) Tekavec. In May 1968, Geri and Al were blessed with a surprise -- a daughter, Lynne, who would become Geri's future shopping companion and would give Geri her most esteemed title that of Grandmother. Geri and Al had a loving marriage filled with deep mutual respect until Al's premature passing in 1984.  A true hardworking Lutheran Norwegian, Geri worked steadfastly. She retired in 1999. During retirement, she volunteered at church and her grandchildren's schools. Geri was a dedicated volunteer at Family of Christ Lutheran Church where she is especially remembered for providing meals for funeral and memorial services for congregrant families. She was a faithful participant in weekly bible study at church where she enjoyed fellowship with the devotions. A cherished memory was a special two-week trip and cruise to Alaska where she and her grandchildren revelled in the majesty of Alaska's inland and coasts. Geri also cherished the glorious Minnesota summer weekends at the family cabin on Partridge Lake. In the sunset of her life, she had a very special loving friendship with Jerry Fehringer. They enjoyed going out to eat, playing cards, and getting ice cream together until he passed in 2016. Geri is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Lynne and Mark Shaw of Andover, MN and their children: Austin Shaw of Honolulu, HI, Kelsey Shaw of Andover, MN, Jax Shaw and Elliot Doren. She was blessed to have great grandchildren in her lifetime. Geri generously accepted into her fold Al's daughters, Jill and Trudy, and their respective families. She is survived by brother, Myron (Shelly) Moteberg of Ada, MN; sisters; Frances Fox of Nashville, TN, Joyce (Al) Krogh of St. Louis Park, MN, and JoAnn Knowlton of Minneapolis, MN, and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Al, her parents; brothers Gilbert, Lyle, and Raymond, and a sister, Shirley Koepke. A celebration of life will be held on Thursday, July 8, 2021 at 11 a.m. at Family of Christ Lutheran Church in Ham Lake, MN. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Family and loved ones are invited to attend a luncheon after the service.

The family kindly requests memorials in lieu of flowers to AdaptHealth Hospice. Geri will be placed to rest beside her husband in Fort Snelling National Cemetery. Interment will be August 16, 2021.