Gerald J. Van Berkel

Gerald J. Van Berkel passed away on Monday, March 16, 2015 at the age of 87. Gerald was born in Detroit the son of John B. and Mable ( nee Brown ) Van Berkel. He attended Detroit Public Schools until, at the age of 15, he enlisted in the United States Navy. Being tall, older looking than his age and feeling his country needed him, he assumed the name of another individual and for three years served under that name. It wasn't until he turned 18 and draft papers arrived in his name that the Navy found out. The situation was cleared up and Gerald received his Honorable Discharge after four years of service. After his naval service he went to work as a truck driver with various companies. After his driving days were through he worked various jobs including cutting the rough at Pleasant Run Golf Course in Canton. Gerald met his wife, the former Margaret Schmitt when they were children in the same neighborhood. The marriage took place in 1954 and together the couple shared almost 50 years of married life. Margaret passed away in 2004. Gerald was a member of the VFW, the American Legion and a Destroyer/Destroyer Escort group. He enjoyed going to the cottage up north and " sit in the sun like a potted plant " as his daughter-in-law stated. Gerald is survived by his son Gerald II and his wife Kim; grandchildren Erin Van Berkel, Linzy ( Josh ) Gierucki, Jeremy, and Noah Van Berkel and Mandy ( Santiago ) Mandie. Eleven great grandchildren also survive. A Memorial Gathering will be held on Wednesday, March 18, 2015, from 3 pm until the time of the Memorial Service at 6:30 pm at the Schrader-Howell Funeral Home, 280 South Main Street, Plymouth.