Geraldine F. Babl

Geraldine Fay Babl, 93, of O'Neill, died peacefully surrounded by family on Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2025 at Avera St. Anthony's Hospital in O'Neill.

Visitation was held Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025 at Biglin's Mortuary in O'Neill with a prayer service.

Funeral services were held Monday, Sept. 29, 2025 at the First Presbyterian Church in O'Neill. Pastor Mike Durre officiated.

Burial was in the Star Cemetery northeast of O'Neill.

Memorials may be made to the O'Neill Volunteer Rescue Unit or to the First Presbyterian Church, both in O'Neill in Geraldine's name.

Geraldine was born to Guy and Hazel Marie (Brady) Johnson on Dec. 22, 1931, on the shortest day of the year, on the family farm. Her older sister Marcella was born on the longest day of the year, a detail Geraldine loved to share. Geraldine's early life was marked by resilience; she lost her mother at the age of three (at childbirth) and at six her family home was destroyed by fire.

Geraldine met John E. Babl through her sister and declared “I'm going to marry Johnny Babl” and she did just that on July 11, 1951. John E. Babl was the son of John and Lillian (Heeb) Babl.

Together they built a life in O'Neill, running Babl's Feed Store and later made their home 23 miles northeast of O'Neill, where they raised their family and made a loving home. They returned to O'Neill in 1997 following Johnny's cancer diagnosis until his passing in April 1998.  

Geraldine graduated from O'Neill High School in 1949. She joined the Dorsey Presbyterian Church on April 6, 1944, which later became part of First Presbyterian Church of O'Neill. Her faith was a guiding light throughout her life.

Geraldine had a deep love for farm life, where she took pride in her home and kitchen. Her pies, bread and cinnamon rolls were the best. She enjoyed playing cards, being on the go with Marcella and Hazel Marie, and rarely missed a chance to attend her grandchildren and great-grandchildren's events. Geraldine never missed a chance to go somewhere and was known for always having a suitcase packed and ready in the car. 

Geraldine was famous for sending visitors and family off with her signature phrase, “Come back when you can stay longer.” She made everyone feel that there was always more love, more stories and more time to share in her presence.

“But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength;

they shall mount up with wings as eagles;

they shall run, and not be weary;

and they shall walk, and not faint - Isaiah 40:31 

Geraldine is survived by her three children Colleen (Randy) Butterfield of Ericson, Curt (Vicki) Babl of Lincoln and Cathy (Ed) Pavel of Chambers; eight grandchildren Trina (Randy) Pelster, Tonya (Wayne) Miller, Tara (Dean) Pokorny, Ryan (Haylie) Babl, Tyler (Molly) Babl, Charissa (Jeremy) Sladek, Brady (Callie) Pavel and Brant Pavel; and great-grandmother to 23 beloved great-grandchildren; two sisters-in-law Sharon Babl and Luann (Dean) Gorgen; one brother-in-law Arnie Babl; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband John E., one sister Marcella (Bob) Sholes, special cousin Hazel Marie (Bruce) McElhaney Larson, her great-grandson Corbin Pelster, her parents Guy and Hazel Johnson, her infant brother, her parents in-law John and Lillian Babl, two brothers-in-law Lionel Babl and Elwin Babl and one niece Connie Wickersham.