Geraldine Ann Kandle

Geraldine Ann Kandle, “Geri”, age 87, passed away September 9, 2026.

Geri was born September 20, 1938, in Sugarcreek TWP, OH, to the late Virgil and Betty Null. She grew up in Brewster, OH and attended high school in Navarre, OH. In 1956, Geri married the late William H. Johnson. Together, they raised five children. Geri’s great joy was her family and caring for them endlessly; she loved being a mother, grandmother, and even a great grandmother. Geri also enjoyed outdoor activities such as gardening, bird watching, and camping. Geri was known for her invaluable work ethic and the 30+ years she worked as a waitress at Rizos’ Steak House of Massillon. When she was able, Geri would attend mass at St. Barbara Catholic Church in Massillon. Geri will be remembered for being funny, playing cards and board games, and especially for her time spent being silly with her grandkids.

Geri is survived by her children; Tony Johnson, Chris Johnson (Connie), Kim Ream (Mike, deceased), Stephanie Williams, and Susie Allman (Keith), Tim Kandle (Vicky), Lane Willhite (Debbie), Christi Vesely (Ken), and Kelly Douglas; grandchildren Tony Johnson II (Sarah), Matt Johnson (Brooke), Jana Cooper (Brandon), Christina Gambrel (Kyle), Trisha Imhoff (Todd), Michael Ream (Taylor Arnold), Griffin Allman (Olivia), Kelsey Nist (Brady); Lee Anne Yancey (Kurt), Brenda Rea (Jeff), Jerry Willhite, Jodene Davis (Don), Jill Willhite, Nick Vesely (Julie), Daniel Douglas (Gillian), Bethany Gray (Lucas), and Dillon Douglas (Meredith); great grandchildren Nathan, Ava, Elliott, Asher, Jaxon, Kayla, Chloe, Maddison, Evelyn, Colbie, and Lydia; sisters Sylvia Bishop (Lorin, deceased), Sheila Stumbo (Darrell), and Lisa Gaetano (John), and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

In addition to her parents, Geri is preceded in death by her wonderful husband, Laverne “Larry” Kandle, whom she spent 32 loving years with.

Visitation will take place on Saturday, September 19, 2026, from 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM, at Paquelet Funeral Home, 1100 Wales Rd. NE, Massillon, OH, where funeral services will promptly begin at 2:30 PM. Interment in Brookfield Cemetery to follow.

The family would like to express their gratitude for both Aultman Hospital, and Aultman Women’s Board Compassionate Care Center for their kindness and extraordinary care for Geri. In Geri’s memory, donations may be made to Aultman Women’s Board Compassionate Care Center. 

To share a memory of Geri or to leave a condolence for her family, please visit the online guestbook.