Gerd Barbro Kreij

Gerd Barbro Kreij, 88, of Stockholm, WI passed away on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, at her home. She was born April 26, 1938 in Helsingborg, Skane, Sweden; daughter of Sven and Ingrid (Jansson) Kreij.
She grew up in Sweden and attended school mostly in Visby, Gotland in the Baltic Sea. Following graduation she went to jewelry school in Germany. There she met John J. Raich who was serving as a medic in the United States Army. They were married in Sweden and then moved to the United States and settled in the Minneapolis, MN area where they raised their 5 children. They later divorced.
Gerd moved to Stockholm, Wisconsin in 1986. She was a sheep farmer, weaver, knitter and photographer. She volunteered at Amicus and the Red Wing Correction Facility for over 20 years. Gerd was a grateful member of AA and was proud of over 50 years of sobriety.
She is survived by her children, Ruth Raich (Anne McGough) of Stockholm, WI, Pauline (Chris) Birt of Edina, MN, Martin Raich (Jenny Gleason) of Minneapolis, MN, Will (Fiona) Raich of Spooner, WI; grandson, Joseph Birt(Anna Restemayer); siblings, Hugo (Ann Christine) Kreij, Sven Erik Kreij, Birgitta (Lasse) Arlebo, Mariann Kreij; and many cousins.
She is preceded in death by her parents; son, Fred Raich; grandson, Franklin Birt; sister-in-law, Ulla Kreij.
Gerd’s celebration of life will be September 6th at 11 at Twin Bluff Farm, N2089 Twin Bluff Lane Stockholm, WI with officiant Wally Zick
If desired, donations can be sent to: Ruth Raich W12304 Rundquist Lane Stockholm WI 54769. Proceeds will be given to the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, Amicus Volunteers of America and a tree in her honor at the Saby Lund Cemetery
Goodrich Funeral Home in Durand, WI is assisting the family. To express on-line condolences, visit obituaries at www.goodrichfh.com.