Adelore J. Gerou, 96, passed away on Friday, September 29 at Bishop Noa Home in Escanaba. He was born in Lincoln Park, MI on February 10, 1927, the son of Adelore & Nellie (Brouse) Gerou.
He moved with his family to Rock, MI as a young boy, left school to work on the farm and joined the US Navy at 18 serving in the Pacific. Adelore eventually attended Adult Ed night classes and got his GED diploma from Escanaba High School in 1978.
On April 11, 1951, he married Theresa Peterson at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Perkins, and they were married for 69 years. Together they raised 8 children.
Adelore worked for Tirschel Distributing, St. Thomas Parish as a custodian, drove bus for Holy Name High School and eventually retired from Canteen Vending Service.
He was a long time, devoted member of St. Thomas the Apostle Parish. In 1966, he joined 11 members of St. Thomas Parish to start the first St. Vincent de Paul Society in Escanaba and was a member for 57 years. He served in all capacities and received awards and honors for his many years of service to the community. He always maintained that “he got back more than he gave”.
Adelore was a proud Navy veteran, a member of the American Legion for many years and was able to go on the UP Honor flight to Washington, D.C.
In his spare time, he loved to hunt, fish, do his woodworking and spend time with family. He especially loved making toys and keepsakes for his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Adelore is survived by sons Al (Cathy) Gerou, Gary (Julie) Gerou, Mark (Kerry) Gerou and Jim (Ruth) Gerou, daughters Mary (Joe) Harvey, Anne (John) Swedberg, Teri McMaines and daughter-in-law Wendy Gerou, 9 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, sister-in-law, Eunice Vandecaveye, Godchild Wendy Kriekels and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Theresa, son Anthony, brothers, William & Wilfred (Buck), sisters, Grace Schaefer, Lorraine Babcock, and Charmaine Gerou.
Mass of Christian Burial will be on Friday, October 6 at 12:00 PM at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Escanaba with Fr. Rick Courier officiating. Burial will follow in the Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery. A luncheon will be served in the St. Thomas parish hall.
In lieu of flowers donations can be directed to the St. Vincent de Paul Society.
Lynn chylek - Escanaba , Mi
The last icon of Washington avenue has passed… what a great memories ….playing ball and parking cars in the field behind our houses, making forts in Nelson’s discard pile, climbing trees and fighting over that big tree that grew between our fence between our houses…or .your tree…lol. Now you are reunited with Theresa…rest in peace…
Sheila Gerou - Edwardsburg, MI
To my wonderful brother in law, rest in the peace of Christ.my your family be comforted by your faith
Debbie Miller - Long Beach, MS
So incredibly sorry for your loss Gerou family. May he Rest In Peace with the Lord.
Mary C. Gierke - Escanaba, MI
Adelore was a good man. He met my dad, George Brissette, when he worked for the Canteen Company. The company had their warehouse in one of the buildings my dad had on his business property which was across the street from the Lloyd Flanders Company in Menominee. I thought of Adelore when I went by my dad’s former business a few days ago. I wondered what was going on on the property and found out that it will be a marijuana shop. I will keep the family in thought and prayer. May your dad rest in peace and may Perpetual Light shine on him.
Bob & Marlene Casey - Sun Lakes, AZ
To the Gerou family,
Please accept our condolences for the loss of father, grandfather, and great grandfather. We are praying that your family will be comforted by your precious memories and that God’s presence will comfort you in your loss. We have many great memories over the years visiting with Theresa and Adelore. With our deepest sympathy. Bob and Marlene Casey
Shelly R Backlund - Greeley, CO
It broke my heart to hear of Adelore’s passing. I’ll never forget the promise my father and he made to look after each other’s daughters the day of Anne’s wedding. Teri would give me updates on him when she returned from a visit. I always felt his love and support and still do. Rest in peace sweet man.
Gary & Becky Lehman - Escanaba, MI
To Al and Adelore’s entire family, please except our sincere condolences for the loss of Adelore. May he Rest in Peace!!
Lynn chylek - Escanaba mi , Mi
I’m so sorry that I cannot attend Adore’s celebration of life due to a medical appointment. Please know that you are all in my heart and I am sending prayers of comfort and peace….