Charles A. "Chic" Gerrish's Obituary
Charles A. “Chic” Gerrish, age 87, of Grand Haven passed away Tuesday, July 28, 2015, at Sanctuary at the Shore. He was born November 26, 1927, in Sault Ste. Marie, to Wasyl Charles and Anna (Kuceryb) Gerycz, and he married Gertrude Elaine Wiebenga on July 3, 1954 in Grand Haven. She preceded him in death on April 1, 1981.
Chic was a Grand Haven resident since 1952, moving here from Sault Ste. Marie. He served his country in the Army during WWII, and also worked at Story and Clark. He was a member of the Sgt. Alvin Jonker VFW Post #2326, and the Eagles. Chic was a kind man who loved and cherished his family. He truly enjoyed people and yes, he truly enjoyed sports. His unique blend of wisdom, sprinkled with humor, was endearing and delightful. We love and miss him dearly. We smile and are joyful, knowing that Chic and Gert, the love of his life, are together again.
He is lovingly remembered by his two daughters, Christine (David) Bloomquist of St. Louis, MO, and their children, Kate and Michael; daughter, Thea Gerrish of Grand Rapids; his two sons, Clark (Sheri) Gerrish of Holt, and their children, Brett and Lindsey; son, Cliff (Sharon) Gerrish of DeWitt, and their children, Nathan (Mona), and their son, Evan, Chad (Catherine), Brynn, and her daughter, Samantha; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by eight brothers: Nick, Peter, Michael, Andrew, Steven, Frank, Anthony, and James; and his sister, Katie Savoie.
A funeral service for Charles will be held at 11:00 am Friday, July 31, 2015, at VanZantwick Bartels Kammeraad Funeral Home with Deacon William Charron officiating. Military honors will be provided by the American Legion Charles A. Conklin Post #28 Honor Guard. Friends may meet the family one hour prior to the service. Memorial contributions to the Sgt. Alvin Jonker VFW Post #2326, or the Wounded Warrior Project, or he would simply have you smile a memory of him now and then. Share memories with the family at their online guest book at www.vbkfuneralhome.com.
Our deep gratitude to his Sanctuary at the Shore family for taking such good care of him for so many years. He was blessed with special friendships with so many of the staff. We were touched by his dear friendship with Judy and Bill Draper.
The family is being served by VanZantwick Bartels Kammeraad Funeral Home of Grand Haven.
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