Geraldine "Geri" Thorpe

Geraldine “Geri” (Hubler) Thorpe was born September 15, 1915, to William and Lula Hubler in Vandalia, IL. As a young child the family moved to the Sac City area, where Geri graduated from Sac City High School in 1933. On September 12, 1936, she was united in marriage to Ervin Thorpe in Carroll, IA. Ervin and Geri were blessed with two children, Sheila and Gary. The couple made their home in Lake View until 1943 when they moved to San Diego, CA, where Ervin worked in the aircraft industry during World War II.

After the war ended in 1945 the couple moved to Oelwein, IA, where together they owned and operated a restaurant. Geri became famous for her homemade pies. Opportunity took the couple to Des Moines in 1948 where Ervin worked for Kaiser Construction Company and Geri worked for a local restaurant and looked after their two children. In 1961, they started Des Moines Asphalt and Paving Company. They worked hard side by side to build their company until 1971, when they sold the business to enjoy their retirement. They moved back to Lake View after retirement. They lived there during the summer and in the winter months lived in Mesa, AZ.

Geri was a member of Lakes United Methodist Church in Lake View. She was involved with all aspects of the church and enjoyed serving with the Methodist Women’s group. Geri loved cooking and baking for her family. Some of their favorites are her fried chicken, potato salad and apple pie. Geri was an avid golfer and was a member of many local clubs including the women’s poker club, bowling league and the garden club. Geri took pride and loved her flowers and her garden. Most of all Geri cherished the time spent with her friends, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Geraldine Thorpe, 97, of Lake View, IA passed away on Thursday, May 16, 2013 at Twilight Acres Nursing Home in Wall Lake. Those left to cherish her memory include her son, Gary (Barb) Thorpe of Surprise, AZ and Princeton, MO; her grandchildren: Bret Boreman of Los Angeles, CA, Chad (Kim) Thorpe of West Des Moines, Joel (Deanne) Thorpe of Urbandale, Shannon (Don) Mahannah of Lake View, Rachael (Brian) Swanson of Lee Summit, MO, Jessica Wilson of Des Moines, and Josh Thorpe of Cedar Falls; her great-grandchildren: Dyllan Mahannah, Derrian, Devon and Tanner Thorpe, Zach Thorpe, Olivia Swanson and Levi and Grace Wilson; her brother John (Elaine) Hubler of Vandalia, IL; and many loved nieces and nephews, extended family and friends. Geri will be dearly missed by all those that knew and loved her.

Geraldine “Geri” (Hubler) Thorpe was born September 15, 1915, to William and Lula Hubler in Vandalia, IL. As a young child the family moved to the Sac City area, where Geri graduated from Sac City High School in 1933. On September 12, 1936, she was united in marriage to Ervin Thorpe in Carroll, IA. Ervin and Geri were blessed with two children, Sheila and Gary. The couple made their home in Lake View until 1943 when they moved to San Diego, CA, where Ervin worked in the aircraft industry during World War II.