Geraldine "Gerry" Mangione Obituary

Geraldine “Gerry” Helen Mangione, 84, passed away Thursday, January 23, 2025, in Des Moines, IA. A visitation and memorial mass will be held at St. Pius X Catholic Church on March 22, 2025. Visitation will be held from 10:30 - 11:30 am, and mass will begin at 11:30 am. Private burial will take place at Glendale Cemetery.

Gerry was born on February 10, 1940 to Louis and Helen (Szyska) Dusik in Chicago, Illinois. She attended all Catholic schools until graduating with a food and nutrition degree from Mundelein College, which has since been incorporated into Loyola University Chicago. Before her retirement in 2002, Gerry worked as the Vice President of Sales for Classic Coffee Service for 17 years.

She married Salvatore Mangione on January 19, 1963 at Five Holy Martyrs Church in Chicago, Illinois. Together they raised two children, David and Lisa, in Downers Grove, Illinois.

She was the heart of her family and always had an open door for her loved ones. It brought her immense joy to host countless family events and prepare meals that made every occasion feel special. Gerry wasn’t just a great cook; she was also known for her baking. She loved baking cakes and cookies, and often created themed cookies for various holidays, especially Christmas.

Gerry always had a passion for gardening. Her green thumb and mind of a landscaper was evident in the backyard of their houses both in Downers Grove, Illinois, and in Johnston, Iowa. She took great pride in growing and caring for perennial and annual flowers, shrubs, trees, and varieties of houseplants. Bird watching was a hobby that brought Gerry delight, and she was a proud member of the National Audubon Society.

Gerry is survived by her loving husband Sal, age 86; son David Mangione, 56 of Yorkville, IL; daughter Lisa (Alan) Vontalge, 55 and 58 of Johnston, IA; grandchildren Adam Mangione, 23, Kara Mangione, 22, Ella Mangione, 18, Emma (Sean) Grogan, 27 and 29, and Hunter (Rachel) Vontalge, both 25; brother Richard (Barbara) Dusik, 79; and various other beloved friends and family members. She is preceded in death by her parents.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Iowa Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association; Illinois Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association; or to the family to plant a tree at Adventure Ridge Park, which was behind Gerry and Sal’s home in Johnston, Iowa.

Arrangements by Iles Westover Chapel.

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