Adelore J. Gerou

He moved with his family to Rock, Mich. as a young boy, left school to work on the farm and joined the U.S. 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 eight 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; nine 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 and Wilfred (Buck), sisters, Grace Schaefer, Lorraine Babcock, and Charmaine Gerou.

Mass of Christian Burial will be on Friday, October 6 at 12 p.m. 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.

For additional information or to leave the family a message of condolence, go to www.Skradski funeral homes.com.