Jean C Gerstl was 93 years old when she passed away on Wednesday July 18. She struggled many years with Alzheimer’s disease and now has found peace and joy for eternity.

She grew up on a farm near Mosinee WI and became the head of the household at 15 when her mom died. She often talked about milking cows with her Grandpa Vercimak and how the cows would turn to see who was doing the milking!

In May of 1945 she married Roger M. Gerstl and they had 5 children in the space of 20 years. Our mom was a hard worker who took care of a family, volunteered at church and worked outside the home most of her life – her last job was at Pacelli High School as a cook. She worked there for over 20 years and reluctantly retired when she was in her 70s. In her spare time she ‘played in the dirt’ gardening, embroidered flour sack towels and did a lot of baking. She had such a big sweet tooth she should have weighed a ton, but she was healthy until well into her 80s.

Jean was preceded in death by her husband and daughter Bettianne Ploeckelmann. She is survived by her sister Viola Raduechel and brothers David Vercimak and Ron Vercimak. Four children survive her: Barbara (Jan) Pearson, Palm Harbor, FL, Jerry (Pam) Gerstl McFarland, WI, Bambi (Damian) Minczeski, Greenville, WI and Joe (Leslie) Gerstl, Wayzata, MN. She had 12 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.

Visitation for family and friends will be Sunday July 22 from 12 – 4pm. at the Shuda Funeral Chapel – 3200 Stanley St. Stevens Point, WI. The funeral will be held at St Paul Lutheran Church Monday July 23 at 11:00 am with visitation starting at 10:00 am.

Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.shudafuneral.com