Greetings,
My grandfather was Ray De Groote. He passed away August of 1974 at the Mendocino Coat Hospital in Fort Bragg. According to his death certificate, he was divorced and the informant was a Mrs. L. Velut of the same address as he. Ray had left Iowa and his family about 1938 and traveled all over the world. According to his death certificate he had lived in CA for over 50 years which would be incorrect. We know that during the Korean War he was in Oakland, CA. Other than that we do not know what he had done in his life. I am sorry but I do not know Geraldine. I dont know if this has anything to do with your gal but Ray originally married Irene Buscher. Irene's sister married Roy Gilbert in Iowa. Roy died in 1976 at Encinatas, CA. Marie just passed away not too long ago but was still in CA. There is one sibling left of Irene Buscher and she turned 101 last month.
If your Geraldine was married to my grandfather and you do find her, please let me know, I would love to talk to her. I have always wondered what happened to my grandfathers personal effects. I have been looking for a picture of him for a long time.
Good luck and keep me posted,
Karen in Iowa