Gisela Jefferson

Gisela Jefferson, born November 21, 1929, in Gladbeck, Germany, peacefully passed with her family by her side on September 10, 2025.

Gisela met her husband Dan in Germany after WW2 and moved to rural Randolph County in 1958.  She worked for more than 30 years at the Aluminum Foundry.  Gisela was a member of Our Saviour Lutheran Church in Winchester and an avid lover of animals, Indiana basketball, and watching her grandchildren play sports.   

Gisela was predeceased by her husband, Dan Jefferson; parents, Karl and Betty Sommerfeld; and sisters Helga Weingartner and Hannelore Ruch.  

She is survived by her daughter Ilona (Tom) Cockerill; grandchildren Heike, Meeks (Alison) and Jeff (Melanie) Cockerill; and great-grandchildren Rachel, Jacob, Morgan, Emily, Nathan, and Julie.

The family thanks the staff of Pine Knoll for their compassionate care.  A private burial is planned.

Contributions in Gisela’s honor may be made to the Shriner’s Children’s Hospital.  www.shrinerschildrens.org

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