Geri Brandmeyer

Geri Ann Kurilla Brandmeyer, 62, of Edwardsville, Illinois, passed away at 1:23 p.m. on Monday, December 8, 2025, at Anderson Hospital in Maryville. She was born on July 19, 1963, in East St. Louis, Illinois, the daughter of the late Charles John and Marjorie Ann (Matthias) Szczepanik. On May 18, 1996, she married Eric Brandmeyer in her backyard oasis she loved so dearly.

Geri proudly earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and devoted 42 years to caring for others through her work in nursing. She served as a nursing house supervisor at Anderson Hospital, where she was deeply respected by colleagues and patients alike. Geri had a passion for travel and treasured her adventures around the world. She enjoyed attending performances at the Fox Theatre, cheering at soccer games, taking on home improvement projects, and relaxing by her pool. Known for her loyalty, selflessness, quick wit, and unconditional love, she enriched the lives of everyone around her. Family was the heart of her life, and she cherished her husband, children, and grandchildren, always ready to support them at a moment’s notice.

Geri is survived by her loving husband of 29 years, Eric Brandmeyer; her daughters, Kaitlin Kurilla of Jacksonville, Illinois, Kelsey (Joe) Ridpath of Edmond, Oklahoma, Colleen Kurilla of Edwardsville, and Kirstin (Mindy Lopez) Kurilla of Winter Haven, Florida; and her son, Caleb (Rosemary) Brandmeyer of Indianapolis, Indiana. She leaves behind three grandchildren, Aubree Kurilla, Leah Ridpath, and Lucas Ridpath; two sisters, Marilyn (Dave) Baumann of Granite City and Ann (Craig) Sykes of Granite City; as well as her sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Mary (Leroy) Toennies of Bartelso, Jackie (Pete) Toennies of Damiansville, Joyce (Pat) Nelle of Huntsville, Arkansas, Mike (Donna) Brandmeyer of Prairietown, Randy (Rose) Brandmeyer of Shattuc, and Stan (Tracy) Brandmeyer of New Baden. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, Charles “Chuck” Szczepanik, an infant brother, and an infant sister.

A celebration of her life will be held on Friday, December 12, 2025, at Irwin Chapel, 591 Glen Crossing Road in Glen Carbon. Visitation will take place from 3:00 p.m. until the time of the service at 7:00 p.m., with Chaplain Bill Dempsey officiating. Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.irwinchapel.com.

Obit Provided By:
Irwin Chapel Funeral Home