Geraldine Cherbak "Rusty"

Geraldine Cherbak ("Rusty")

​Cherbak, affectionately known as Rusty, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 8th, 2025.

​Rusty was born in East Chicago, Indiana. She met the love of her life, Victor, in Chicago, and together they raised their children, Michael and Melissa, in Highland, Indiana. The couple was actively involved in local politics.

​Rusty raised her children before flourishing in her creative pursuits as a hair stylist. She later became a successful Real Estate agent in the late 1980s. She and Victor moved to Algonquin, where she continued her real estate career. While in Algonquin, she took on leadership roles with the Algonquin Lioness and ran the Village Cat and Dog show for decades, bringing joy to everyone she met.

​Rusty deeply cherished her friends, especially her Club group, which started with cards and ended late in the night with laughter. She was always the funny one. If you were a friend of Rusty's, you were a friend for life. She touched everyone with her sense of humor. 

​She was a loving daughter, sister, and mother, and will be truly missed by all whose lives she touched.

​Family

​Survived by:

​Daughter: Melissa

​Sister: Lorraine

​Godchildren: Beth McCabe and Colette Snyder

​Numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins

​Preceded in death by:

​Parents: Tony and Helen Ackerman

​Husband: Victor

​Son: Michael

​Brother: Skip Ackerman

​She is most definitely enjoying herself in heaven with them now.

​Funeral and Service Information

​Visitation:

​Date: Monday, December 15th, 2025

​Time: 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM

​Location: Hillside Funeral Home, 8941 Kleinman Rd (one block south of Ridge Rd), Highland, Indiana.

​Catholic Funeral Services:

​Date: Tuesday, December 16th, 2025

​Time: 9:00 AM

​Location: Hillside Funeral Home

​Entombment:

​To follow the service at St. John/St. Joseph cemetery, Hammond, IN.

For additional information, please contact Hillside Funeral Home & Cremation Center Konnie Kuiper - Michael Kuiper-Vass by calling us at 219-838-0800 or visiting us at www.hillsidefhcares.com

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