David Maurice Gerhard

David Maurice Gerhard, age 85, of Mattawan passed away October 11, 2022. He was born October 11, 1937 in Kalamazoo to the late Maurice and Dorothy (Anderson) Gerhard.

David was a graduate of Kalamazoo Central High School. He served in the US Navy from 1957-1961 as a Radio Technician on the USS Mathews at the Long Beach Naval Base, where he married the former Geraldine “Geri” Smith, on January 28, 1961. David and Geri returned to Kalamazoo in 1966 and were members of the New Apostolic Church in Portage. He worked for Parker Hannifin for over 31 years and retired from there. David had a collection of coins and cars—his ’54 Chevy was one of his favorites. He enjoyed ‘50s music, watching comedy shows and sports, especially the Tigers, and the occasional fishing trip.

David’s children are forever grateful for the selfless care he gave to their Mom and his loving wife of 55 years, Geri, during the last few years with her battle with emphysema. She preceded him in death in October of 2016.

He is survived by his children: Brenda (Doug) Chaffee of Osceola, Indiana, David (Barbara) Gerhard of Portage, and Daniel Gerhard of Delton; grandchildren, Michael and Kevin Hab, Chris and Matt Chaffee, Rachelle Welch, Nathan, Alaina, Azalea, Chloe, Jake, and Caitlyn Gerhard; five great-grandchildren; and brothers, Rick (Carolyn) Gerhard and Gary (Debbi) Gerhard.

Services will be held Saturday, October 22 at 12:00pm at New Apostolic Church, 3600 W Milham Ave, Portage, MI 49024, where visitation will take place one-hour prior from 11:00am until the time of the service. A luncheon will immediately follow. Interment will be in Mt. Ever-Rest Memorial Park South.

Contributions in David’s memory may be made to ALS of Michigan.

To share a memory or leave a condolence for the family, please visit https://www.langelands.com