Gerald A. Gerst

Gerald A. Gerst, age 78, passed away at his home with his family by his side on Sunday, September 25, 2011. Gerald was born in Plymouth, and resided in his home town his entire life. He graduated from Plymouth High School in 1951. Gerald went to work for Michigan Bell before he entered the United States Army, and when he returned from duty, he went back to work for them and later on for Ameritech. He worked as a cable splicer and retired in the mid 1990's. Among his varied interests were small engine repair, carpentry, and anything to do with trains and John Deere tractors. Along with his father, he built a cabin along the Muskegon River, digging their own well and septic system along with everything else for the cabin. He is survived by his wife, Bessie, whom he married in 1957. Together they shared 54 years of married life. He also leaves his children, Steven (Nancy) Gerst, Michael (Debbie) Gerst and Denise (Jill) Gerst; and his grandchildren, Katie (Jon) Haywood, Lindsay, Bryan, Rebecca, Kayla and Kyleigh. Funeral from Schrader-Howell Funeral Home, 280 S. Main Street, Plymouth, Wednesday, September 28, 11am. Visitation Tuesday from 2pm until 8pm. Interment at Riverside Cemetery, Plymouth. Contributions are suggested to St. Joseph Mercy Hospice.