Theresa Geraldine Ognenoff

Theresa Geraldine “Geri” Ognenoff passed away peacefully on September 29, 2026, surrounded by the love and memories of those who will forever cherish her.

Geri was born on March 9, 1927, in Wichita, Kansas, to Louis and Sarah (née Gillon) Hess. She was raised in Wichita and graduated from Wichita North High School. She later met the love of her life, Henry Ognenoff, and the two were married, beginning a life together that would span 57 wonderful years. At the beginning of their marriage, Geri and Henry relocated to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where they raised their four sons: Richard, John, James, and David.

Geri worked as a supervisor at the Boston Store in downtown Milwaukee, where she built her career while remaining dedicated to her family and community. Throughout her life, she generously gave her time to others, serving as a Cub Scout leader, participating in Christian Women MACCW, and serving on the St. Rose Parish Council. Her Catholic faith was an important part of her life, and she held a special devotion to Mary, the Mother of Jesus.

Outside of her work and community involvement, Geri enjoyed traveling and making memories with those she loved. She also treasured the companionship of her beloved cat, Coco. Her favorite color was purple, a fitting detail for a woman whose memory will continue to bring color and warmth to the lives of her family and friends.

Geri will be dearly missed by her four sons, Richard (Caroline), John (Laura), James, and David (Mary); her grandchildren, Sarah (Andrew), Andrew (Kerry), Peter (Adrian), Elizabeth (Francis), Caitlin (Kelly), Jacob (Brittney), Jenna (Mike), Madeline, Joshua (Carmen), Emily (Tyler), Samuel (Raquel), and Joseph; and her great-grandchildren, Noah, Anna, Kyle, Henry, Garrett, Evan, Brooke, Claire, Kenley, Alice, Leighton, Brody, Eliza, Max, and Ambrose. She is further survived by her nieces, Nancy (Dan) and Joan (Alan); additional nieces and nephews and their families; and many extended family members and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Henry, with whom she shared 57 years of marriage; her parents; her siblings and their spouses; and her brother-in-law and his spouse.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the care providers with ProHealth Care and Hospice Services, the staff at Summit Woods, and Visiting Angels for the kindness, compassion, and support they provided to Geri and her family.

A Funeral Mass for Geri will be held on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at Corpus Christi Parish – St. William Church, 440 N. Moreland Boulevard, Waukesha, WI 53188. Visitation will begin at 12:00 p.m. and continue until the start of the Funeral Mass at 1:00 p.m. Following the service, Geri will be laid to rest at Wisconsin Memorial Park, 13235 W. Capitol Drive, Brookfield, WI 53005.

In honor of Geri, the family invites guests to wear purple, her favorite color, or a floral pattern to her services as a special tribute to her life.

Geri’s love, faith, and the memories she created across generations will remain in the hearts of all who knew her. She will be remembered always and missed dearly.