Neola Gereau

Gladstone, MINeola M. Gereau, age 72, of Gladstone, passed away peacefully Monday evening, October 17, 2016, at St. Francis Hospital in Escanaba.

Neola was born October 6, 1944, in Lansing, MI, the daughter of Arthur and Opal (Uhl) Matthews. She was raised in Nahma and was a 1962 graduate of Nahma High School. Following high school, Neola enrolled at Northern Michigan University where she received her LPN certificate of nursing, in 1963. On July 24, 1965, she was united in marriage to David L. Gereau, at St. Andrew Catholic Church in Nahma, and together the couple made their home and raised their family on the Days River in Gladstone. Neola worked in the nursing field for many years. She held various nursing positions throughout the community and provided services in all aspects of her profession. Neola retired from Marquette General Hospital in 2005 following more than 40 years of combined nursing employment. Neola was a member of All Saints Catholic Church in Gladstone. Additionally, she served as a Foster Grandmother at Cameron and Jones Elementary Schools in Gladstone. She enjoyed gardening, crocheting, sewing, cheering for the Green Bay Packers and spending time with family and friends.

Survivors include:
Daughters: Becky (Patrick) Quinn and Jennifer (Gary) Kessinger
Brothers: Richard Gearhart, David (Marilyn) Gearhart, Paul (Marilyn) Matthews,
Steve Matthews and Willie Matthews
Sister: Marlene (Al) Housler
Grandchildren: Kaylea and Erin Quinn
Also listed among the surviving family are Neola’s loving nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and extended family.

Neola was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur Matthews and Opal (John) Gearhart; Husband, David Gereau; Brothers, Wayne and David Matthews; Sister, Lorna Matthews. She was also preceded in death by her Brothers and Sisters in law.

Neola’s family will receive friends on Thursday, from 2:30PM to 4:30PM, at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. Mass of Christian Burial will follow visiting hours, at 5:00PM on Thursday, at All Saints Church in Gladstone, with Rev. Fr. Brian Gerber officiating. Luncheon will follow mass in the All Saints Parish Hall. Neola will be laid to rest on Friday, at 12:30PM, at the Fernwood Cemetery in Gladstone. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Gladstone Foster Grandparent Program or the Gladstone Library. Envelopes will be available at the Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Delta County. The Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting with arrangements.