Albert John Gerritsen, the son of John and Gladys (Reinders) Gerritsen, was born April 21, 1929, in Orange City, IA. His childhood years were spent in Orange City, where he received his education. He later continued his education at Northwestern College in Orange City and later Nettleton Business College in Sioux Falls, where he graduated with honors.
Al married Marllys DeHaan on March 9, 1951, in Orange City. Following their marriage, they lived in Orange City for four years, until moving to Spencer in 1955. Al worked for American Cyanamid for 18 years, Spencer Foods and Peterson Sheep and Cattle. He also did accounting for numerous small businesses in Spencer. Al was an active member of Hope Reformed Church in Spencer where he served as an Elder, Deacon and Treasurer for 30 years. He worked at the Clay County Fair in the ticket office for 32 years, and was the City Treasurer for 10 years. Al enjoyed following football and basketball, especially his grandsons, as well as growing flowers, gardening and working in the yard. He also enjoyed golfing, pool and bowling with his friends. He dearly loved his family and the time he spent with them.
Al passed away at Longhouse Residence in Spencer, IA, on Wednesday, October 12, 2011, at the age of 82. He was preceded in death by his parents and only sister.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Marllys of Spencer; one son, Rad of Spencer; two daughters: Paula Uecker and her husband, Dave Steinbeck of Spencer, and Laura and Stewart Gehrls of Cedar Rapids, IA; 6 grandchildren: Chris and his wife, Caroline Gehrls, Chad Gehrls, Jenn (Uecker) and her husband, Tom Willoughby, Amy Uecker and her fianc�, Eric Forrette, Nick Gerritsen and Derek Gerritsen; four great-grandchildren: Aidan, Nash, Grant and Landon; and many friends.
SERVICES
Funeral services will be held 10:30 A.M., Monday, October 17, at Hope Reformed Church in Spencer.
OFFICIATING
Pastor Russell Muilenburg
CASKET BEARERS
Chris Gehrls
Caroline Gehrls
Jenn Willoughby
Tom Willoughby
Chad Gehrls
Amy Uecker
Eric Forrette
Nick Gerritsen
Derek Gerritson
HONORARY BEARERS:
Verna Kiel
Glenda VerMeer
Jerry Noteboom
VISITATION
Visitation will take place Sunday, October 16, at Warner Funeral Home in Spencer, starting at 2:00 P.M., with the family present from 4-6:00 P.M.
MUSIC
"Come To Jesus"
"How Great Thou Art"
by Gary Klett
"It Is Well"
Congregational Hymn
Pianist
Ray Meyer
INTERMENT
Riverside Cemetery
Spencer, Iowa