Geraldine June Spielman of Albia, IA, passed at the age of 96 at Meadowbrook Manor in Naperville, IL, on September 22, 2026.
Geraldine was born on June 14, 1930, at the hospital in Albia, IA, to Walter and Grace (Sage) Cozad. She grew up in Albia and went to school in Ottumwa. Later in life, Geraldine lived at Benton Place Apartments for many years, where she had so many friends.
Geraldine got married at the age of 19 to Donald Anthony Spielman. Within the marriage they had 4 amazing children, Ronald, Barbara, Dawn and Johnny. They were married 16 years. Geraldine never married again and she lived for her children and her family. She cherished all the time spent with her family.
A woman of great faith, Geraldine was a long-time member of Garfield Ridge Baptist Church in Chicago IL. She loved to sing and read the Bible.
Geraldine is survived by her oldest son, Ronald and daughter-in-law Rosetta Spielman of Bolingbrook IL, and her youngest son, John and daughter-in-law Ellen Spielman of Tompkinsville KY. Geraldine had 8 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, 2 sons-in-law Glenn Zdziarski and Danny Swartz and many nieces and nephews.
Geraldine was preceded in death by husband, Donald Anthony Spielman; her daughters, Babara Jean and Dawn Lynn; her parents, Walter and Grace Cozad; and her siblings, Edna Fanta, Martha (Bill) Malone, Darlene “Eunice” Mangello, Betty Reno, Lester Cozad, James Cozad, Roy Cozad, Billy Cozad, Louise Shipman, Floyd Cozad, Donald “Cozy” Cozad, and Bernice, Marjorie Lou Briles, Barbara, and Marcella in infancy.
Mom will be missed by everyone she knew Family and Friends alike. She touched the lives of many people in so many different ways. Now she will live as that young beautiful lady from yesteryear. Happy and healthy. Till we meet again, We Love You Mom.
Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m.- 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 25, 2026, at the Tharp Funeral Home in Albia, with Geraldine’s family present throughout to greet family and friends.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 25, 2026, at the Tharp Funeral Home in Albia, with Pastor Zachary Zdziaski officiating. Burial will follow services at Oak View Cemetery in Albia.
