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Obituary for Ralph A. Gerecke
Ralph Alfred Gerecke of Brighton died Saturday, May 30, 2009 at his home in the care of his family. He was 79 years old.
Born on January 29, 1930 in Fowlerville, Michigan, Ralph was one of 13 children born to parents Wilhelmina (nee. Wagner) and George August Gerecke.
On April 7, 1951, Ralph married his beloved Margaret Ruth (nee. Kutnic) at St. Patrick's Church in Brighton. Ralph and Margaret were blessed by the adoption of their two daughters Debra Ann and Patricia Ann. Ralph and Margaret were both lifelong residents of the area.
Ralph served his county during the Korean Conflict and earned a Purple Heart while in Chowan Korea. In addition, he was awarded a Korean Service Medal. He was a proud veteran who had served our county with honor; Ralph was deeply proud of his Marine grandsons. Ralph was active with the Disabled American Veterans group.
Ralph enjoyed woodworking especially making birdhouses and figurine angels. Ralph also golfed many rounds at the Rush Lake Hills Golf Club.
Ralph was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 55 years Margaret Ruth (nee. Kutnic) (d. April 5, 2007). He was also preceded in death by his parents Wilhelmina (nee. Wagner) and George August Gerecke as well as seven brothers and four sisters.
Ralph is survived by his two loving daughters Debra Ann (David) Halasz and Patricia Ann (Joe) Bozyk. Also survived by 8 grandchildren, Chad and Megan Shelters, Danelle (Kevin) Hearn, Jacqueline Halasz, Joey III, Justin, Brandon and Dylan Bozyk; 1 great-granddaughter Keira Maddison Hearn; brothers Ronny (Betty) Gerecke and Larry (Colleen) Gerecke and many dear friends. He will be deeply missed by his canine companion Boo-Bo. Ralph will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and uncle.
Funeral from Lynch & Sons Funeral Directors, 600 East Main St., Brighton Wednesday, 11 AM. The Rev. Dr. R. John Harris to officiate. Burial & Military Honors at Hamburg Cemetery. Friends may visit Monday 6-9 PM and Tuesday 3-9 PM. Memorials may be made to Woodland Cancer Center of St. Joseph Mercy. For further information, please call 810.229.2905.
