Kristine A. Gerard, age 56, of 416 North Bluff Drive, Gladstone, passed away following a lengthy and courageous battle with cancer on Wednesday, June 21, 2006 at her home. She knew Jesus Christ as her personal savior and has now left her earthly home for her eternal heavenly home. Kristine was born January 18, 1950 in Escanaba the daughter of Harry and Margit (Sigg) Erickson. She was raised in Gladstone and was a resident most of her life. She attended the Buckeye School and was a 1968 graduate of Gladstone High School. Following high school Kristine attended Northern Michigan University where she received her Bachelor’s Degree. She was united in marriage to Paul Gerard on August 26, 1972 at the Evangelical Free Church in Gladstone. Kristine was a dedicated member of the Grace Baptist Church in Gladstone and was the church secretary for the past few years. She has brought happiness and positiveness into everyone’s life. She was an inspiration and example, with her love, kindness, and strength, which have touched our hearts dearly and will always be in our hearts forever. She home schooled her daughter from grade 3 through grade 5. She enjoyed playing the organ and piano, cross stitch, knitting, crocheting, stained glass and spending time with her granddaughter.
In addition to her husband Paul, survivors include:
One daughter, Rachel (Steve) Barnhart of Hancock, MI
One granddaughter, Ella Grace Barnhart
Her mother, Margit Erickson of Escanaba
Three brothers: Harry (Susan) Erickson of Marquette, Gerald (Rita) Erickson of Rapid River, Larry (Theresa) Erickson of Gladstone
Close friends: Jeremy and Laurie Hauswirth and their daughters, Lillian and Lyneha of Rock
Three aunts: Erna (Jack) Sigan of Stonington, Erma Vietzke of Stonington, and Marie Harper of Rockford, IL
Numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her father in 2001.
Kristine’s family will receive friends on Sunday from 3:00 to 6:00 at the Grace Baptist Church. Funeral services celebrating the life of Kristine will follow at 6:00 PM at the Grace Baptist Church with Pastor Steve Patrick officiating. A luncheon will follow services at the church. Interment will be Monday, June 26 at 11:00 AM at the Evergreen Cemetery in L’Anse, MI. Memorial contributions may be made in Kristine’s name to the Hope Lodge, 611 West Doege Street, Marshfield, WI 54449. Hope Lodge is operated by the American Cancer Society; it provides a place to stay at no cost while receiving treatment for cancer, and Kris stayed there about 98 days while receiving treatment at Marshfield Clinic. Envelopes may be picked up at the Skradski Family Funeral Homes or Grace Baptist Church.
Anonymous
Good by Kris,
This world is a little emptier with-out you in it. You were always such a positive influence on others. You will be missed.
Rod Phillips Sr.
Gladstone, MI
Rachel and Mr. Gerard,
I was deeply saddened when I heard Kris had past away. I wish I could have been there for you. I will always remember spending time with Rachel and friends at your house and how Kris would treat us all as if we were her daughters. Kris was a great person to know and I was happy that I had the chance to meet her and get to know her and spend time with her.
Kris was a special person and she will always be in my heart forever.
Jaime (Viau) Ziemba
Manistique, MI
Paul and Rachel,
So sad of your loss of Kris, I will be keeping all of you in my Prayers,,my God Bless
Cheryl Patrick
Bishop Noa Home
Escanaba, MI
K is for Kindness, she freely gave to us all
R is for Rachel, the daughter she truly adored
I is for Idolized to her faithful servant Paul
S is for Soul, she gave to her Savior and Lord
Thank you for the many blessings we have received from the Gerard Family
Rita & Jerry Erickson
Rapid River, MI
I’m so sorry to hear about Kristine’s death, I didn’t even know that she was sick. So it was it was kind of a shock to see her obituarie in the news paper. The last time I saw her was at Oak Bluff Grocery. I can’t quite remember if it was in the winter or spring when I talked to her. She seemed happy (then she always seemed like a happy person) She looked healthy to me at that time. I remember growing up with her, and your family. You’s were such nice neighbors. I remember the time when I went to your church for Vacation Bible School one summer. I don’t remember too much about it, but I know I had a good time with Kristine. I also remember when I was pregnant with Nicholas (who is 27 now) If I remember correctly she was pregnant with her first baby and her and Paul were in our pre natal class. After everybody’s baby’s were born, we met for a get together at there house on Superior Ave. in Gladstone. It’s such along time ago but to me it just seems like yesterday. I guess you rememeber good times like that. I hope everyone in your family is doing okay. It’s such a hard time when someone you love, dies at such a young age. Kristine was such a nice person. I’m sure you’re going to miss her very much. My sympathy and prayers are with your family. Sincerly Cheryl (Sheffer) Lauscher.
P.S. I forgot that Paul also took my High School Graduation pictures. (oh my that was a long time ago!!) and Paul also took our wedding pictures when Mick and I got married.
Cheryl Lauscher
Gladstone, MI
When I met Kris at Hope Lodge, it was like meeting a sister. Our thoughts on so much of what we were going through were the same. She provided hope, laughter, concern and love to the people she shared Hope Lodge with. She will be missed, but love goes on.
Carolyn Samson
Wausau, WI
To Christine family my deepest sincere sympathy to you. Growing up in the “Buckeye” I have fond memories of us, we had a club once, I think Chris, Me, Diane, Genie and Helen Lang and Eloise (Ella) were apart of it, we had a time. I know she was a wonderful lady and will be missed terribly. I still love the U.P. and my family, the La Plants all still live there. Again, my deepest sympathy to her family, she was a dear friend and a wonderful, christina even at a very early age. God Bless her and her family and I know she is with her Father in Heaven now.
Susan Kay LaPlant Gustafson
Meridianville, AL
Our sympathies are with you and the family as you process through this hard time…I was good to see everyone at the family reunion so many years ago??? My how time flies…It is hard to believe it has been almost 5 years since Big John died. May God bless you all.
John and Karolyn Gerard and family
Coon Rapids, MN
Paul, Please accept our sincere sympathies at this difficult time.
Don & Sue Bellville
Manistique, MI
So saddened to hear of the loss of your loving wife, mother, and grandmother. Kris lived her christian life always with a gentle spirit, kind heart, patient demeanor, and always loved her family and all God’s creatures. Especially do we remember her taking time to chat a few minutes, always with a smile, never speaking of anything negative, and sharing her thoughts of the things of nature that she so seemed to enjoy. May the wonderful memories we all share help to sustain you during this most difficult time. We and our community will deeply miss Kris, but she will lovingly be remembered.
Ivan and Shirley Gagne
Gladstone, MI
Paul, Rachel, Margit and family, So sorry for your great loss. We first knew Kris when she was in the youth group at Bethel Free Church and I (Judy) was the youth leader. We had great times. Was so nice seeing and talking to her about two years ago when I was at the church listening to my brother Steve preach. She was a great gal. Our prayers for your family.
Bill and Judy Krieg
Quinnesec, MI
I did not have the honor to know Kris very long, but the time I spent with her is priceless, she talked about her family alot, she said last wed. she was at peace but hoped her family would be ok. she told me how much she appreciated Paul spending so much time, trying to do all the natural things possible, she said she could not feel more love , by her husband and best friend. rachael,steve and baby granddaughter,laurie,jeremy,&baby girls friends and family,and grace family,she told me she was trying as best as she could to get better, but the lord has aplan. I believe with her deep faith and example, the lord sweep her up to front row, shes waiting for us!
Kelly Cleland
Cornell, MI
There arent enough words in the human language to describe what an incredible person Kris was. I met her when she worked at Oak Bluff store. I’d go there for something and end up staying and talking with Kris for hours. I moved away from Gladstone 5 years ago, she and I kept in touch through email and when ever I went home to visit I made it a point to visit Kris at the store.
Heaven must have needed another angel, Kris Gerard certainly was just that, an angel. The ones of us that were fortunate enough to call her our friend can attest to that. To her family, I extent my deepest sympathies. Kris remains in all of our hearts and will never be forgoten. Extending a long distance hug to all of you…
Andrea (Nadeau) Little
Aurora, CO
Paul, Rachel and Family,
I am so very sorry to hear of Kristine’s passing. But how comforting to know that she has moved on to a better place. Thank the Lord that we’ll be reunited with her again someday. Find comfort in knowing that she has only gone on to prepare a place for us. 🙂 Kristine had a heart of Gold. I will always remember the times we spent talking at your house, and the kindness and love she shared where ever she was. I’m so blessed that we knew her and were blessed by her on more than one occasion. Your family will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Michelle (Matter) Casey
Millersburg, PA
I met Kris while visiting my father Joe at Hope Lodge, what a wonderful and positive woman she was, especially with the pain and suffering she had endured while fighting cancer. She shared some stories with me about her granddaughter as I shared some with her about my son. She is now entering her heavenly home without further pain and suffering. Paul, you and your family are in my prayers.
Michelle DenBeste
Marquette, MI
Paul, much too young. Nothing I can say will relieve the pain but my prayers are for you and the rest of the family. Tough times hopefully make us stronger and able to handle adversity. God bless you and the family.
Jerry Cornelius
Ventura, CA