Merrill Brockway Gerst

Mr. Merrill Brockway Gerst, age 87, passed away Sunday, September 14, 2008 at his home. Mr. Gerst was born September 25, 1920 to Walter and Hazel (Brockway) Gerst in Muskegon. On May 8, 1942 he married the former Wilma McAdow. He served his country in the US Army during WWII. Mr. Gerst was employed as a foreman at Hunter Hughes for 35 years retiring in 1986. Merrill had a creative and inventive mind, using welding, woodworking and machining to create his projects. He was a member of VFW Post # 8846, the A. J. Hunter monthly Breakfast Club "Board Meeting" and had belonged to Hi Nabors and Merry Mixers Square Dancing Groups. Merrill enjoyed playing the guitar and harmonica. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Wilma; 5 children, Jim (Doris) Gerst of Muskegon Township, Tom (Kathleen) Gerst of Twin Lake, Sharon (Richard) Parker of Holton, Mike (Beth) Gerst of Grand Rapids and Janis (Mike) Knevitt of Muskegon Twp.; 15 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; sister, Marge (Lyle) Graham of Muskegon; brother-in-law, Harry (Connie) McAdow of Muskegon; sisters-in-law, Ella Radel of Roosevelt Park and Lucretia Brott of Muskegon Township; and many nieces and nephews. Merrill was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Althea Foote. A FUNERAL SERVICE will be held 11:00 AM Thursday, September 18, 2008 at Calvary Memorial Church, 909 E. Giles Rd. with Pastor Jeffrey Dunn officiating. Full Military Rites will be afforded by VFW Post #8846. Interment in Twin Lake Cemetery. VISITATION will be 2-4 & 6-8 PM Wednesday at The Sytsema Chapel Sytsema Funeral Homes, Inc. 737 Apple Avenue Memorial contributions may be made to Harbor Hospice.