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James H. Gerhold

FUNERAL HOME

Palmer Funeral Homes - River Park

2528 Mishawaka Avenue

South Bend, Indiana

James Gerhold Obituary

Nov. 5, 1946 - Jan. 21, 2008
SOUTH BEND - James H. Gerhold, 61, of South Bend, IN, passed away at 12:40 PM Monday, Jan. 21, in his home. Jim taught math for the South Bend Community School Corporation at Clay High School for 33 years and retired in 2002. He also taught at Raffi Naftali Riff Yeshiva. Jim was born on November 5, 1946, in South Bend, IN, to Robert H. and Dorothy L. (Enfield) Gerhold. On May 31, 1969, in South Bend, IN, he married Suzanne (Carroll) Gerhold, who survives. Along with his wife, Suzanne Gerhold, his mother, Dorothy Gerhold, and his sister, Janice S. Gerhold, both of Mishawaka, survive. Jim was a 1965 graduate of South Bend Central High School and graduated from De Pauw University in 1969 where he was a member of Sigma Nu. He earned his master's degree in mathematics from the University of Notre Dame. He was a member of the activities board at Southfield Village and was a member of the TCU Advisory Board. In his later years, he joined the South Bend Bridge Club, which he really enjoyed. Jim played varsity basketball for South Bend Central and DePauw University under two legendary coaches, Jim Powers and Elmer McCall. He was an accomplished woodworker and left behind many beautiful pieces for friends and family to enjoy. Jim also loved traveling, but he was equally content to sit at home and read a good mystery. Memorial services will be held at 7:00 PM Thursday, Jan. 24, 2008, in the Palmer Funeral Home-River Park, 2528 Mishawaka Avenue. The family will receive friends from 3:00 PM until time of services in the funeral home on Thursday. Contributions in memory of James H. Gerhold may be made to the Multiple Myeloma Research Fund, Miles for Myeloma, IU Simon Cancer Center, P.O. Box 660245, Indianapolis, IN 46266-0245.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by South Bend Tribune on Jan. 23, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for James Gerhold

46 Entries

Karly Gibbs

February 11, 2008

Dear Mrs. Gerhold,

I was very sorry to hear that Mr. Gerhold had passed away. I had him for freshman Algebra at Clay, and it was one of my favorite classes due to his enthusiasm and personality. He truly had a gift for teaching.
Karly (Allen) Gibbs
Clay High Class of 1993

Bruce Milliken

February 7, 2008

I am saddened to hear of Mr. Gerhold's passing. He was a shining star at Clay High & provided an excellent learning environment that was stimulating and interesting! His interactive approach made calculus my favorite subject! I also remembered one time he asked me not to sit on my desk before class and as I craned my neck up to see him, I knew I wouldn't do that again!

My deepest regards to his family and friends.

Class of 74

Jeff Cook

February 7, 2008

Dear Mrs. Gerhold,
I was very sad to hear of your husband's passing. He was truly an inspirational teacher and I always looked forward to his class. He was one of the very few teachers that made learning fun. My two years of math instruction from Mr. Gerhold provided a great basis for my career in geophysics.

Clay High Class of 1974.

Karen Forte

February 4, 2008

Dear Mrs. Gerhold:

I can only echo what has already been written in this book - Mr. Gerhold was a wonderful teacher. I took his freshman Algebra and senior Calculus classes, and thank goodness, because if not for him I would have failed both. Mr. Gerhold knew how to approach each student as an individual; thinking back I am amazed by his ability to get through to each of us in exactly the way we could understand. I am deeply saddened to hear of his passing, as I have often thought of him in the years since I left Clay and remembered him fondly as one of the best teachers I ever knew.
Karen (Allen) Forte - Class of 1990.

Laura Nifong Brunner

February 4, 2008

Dear Suzanne,
I have often wished that my children could have a math teacher like Mr. Gerhold. I still can't figure out whether I was good in math, or just had the right teacher. I think the latter.
I will never forget Mr. Gerhold's smile. I am so happy that I have the memory of both of you at my wedding- more than 30 years ago!

Thanks to both of you for making a difference in my life. May you be comforted by the love of family and friends, and many fond memories. Love, Laura

Nicole Meewes

February 3, 2008

Mr. Gerhold was one of those teachers you don't soon forget. His enthusiasm encouraged me to pursue teaching. My condolences are with his family.
Nicole Meewes (class of 2004)

Jonathan Goodman

January 31, 2008

I really liked Mr. Gerhold; he was an excellent teacher and a decent man and I learned a lot from him. Reading these other guest book entries, I know I am one of hundreds of lives he touched. My deepest condolences.

George Brunner

January 31, 2008

I failed Algebra I at a very prestigious prep. school in Boston, taught by a 'leader' in the field. I took the class with Jim upon my return to Clay and received an A. Jim made something easy that was difficult because he was truly a great teacher. Math had become a burden but he made it understandable and enjoyable because of his methods. On top of that, Jim was a wonderful person with an infectious smile and a warm sense of humor. My heart and sympathy to his wife, Suzanne, and family.

Michael S. Humnicky

January 31, 2008

Dear family,

Sorry to read of your loss. From the condolences posted here Jim has left the country a great legacy in his dedication to teaching mathematics. His former student's rememberances reflect his genuine caring and excellence as a teacher. Sincerely,

Michael S. Humnicky
SB CHS 1965

Priscilla Dwyer (formerly Ramey)

January 28, 2008

I was deeply saddened to hear of Mr. Gerhold's passing. He was one of my favorite teachers and I hate math! I myself am a teacher now and I try to model the compassion that Mr. Gerhold showed to all of his students, no matter what level of ability we were at as learners. I remember emailing back and forth with him often when I first became a teacher. I wish I had known sooner that he was ill. I would have made time to come and visit with him. I hope that your family finds peace. My family is praying for you and hoping that you will remember the joy that his life brought to so many people.

Marissa (Nowak) Lofthouse CHS 2001

January 27, 2008

Mrs. Gerhold,

I am so very sorry for your loss. Mr. Gerhold was a fantastic teacher. He taught math in a way that made sense to me, and I carried that love for math to college and into my classroom. He cared about all students and always put a smile on my face. He will be missed by all but will never be forgotten.

Martha (Iams) Gabrielse

January 26, 2008

Dear Suzanne (Mrs. Gerhold):
I was deeply saddened when speaking to my mom this week and learning of Mr. Gerhold's passing. I hope that you can find comfort in the million gifts you have from sharing a life with such a wonderful man. Your marriage was always one I admired and wanted to emulate.
Mr. Gerhold will forever be remembered as an incredible teacher and mentor from my years at Clay ('79 grad). He made Math a class that I looked forward to - and he also made sure that we took pride in ALL our classes, sports, and extra-curriculars - not just Math. He was truly about the total student and human.
Most of all, none of us can remember Mr. Gerhold without a smile and a chuckle. "Sooo.. buttons on your underwear" and "The Wizard" have become parts of my family's legacy - two little gifts that Mr. Gerhold gave to me.
May you find peace and comfort in this time of loss, Suzanne. All my very best to you.
Martha

James Powers

January 26, 2008

My deepest sympathy to Suzanne and all of Jim's family. He will be missed. I had the privilege of coaching Jim in high school. He was one of the out-standing players and citizens you never forget.
So very sorry, Coach Powers

Kevin Swain

January 25, 2008

I am sorry for your loss. I had the great experience of being his student back in 1974, and a participant of parent/teacher meetings for my daughters in recent years. He had a great gift for making a hard subject (at least for me) understandable. I still pass on some of the card tricks he taught me as well!

Phyllis Largey (Pajakowski)

January 25, 2008

I was so sorry to read about Jim's passing. May he rest in peace. You have my deepest sympathy and prayers.

Deb (Kobb) Cyrier CHS '96

January 24, 2008

Mr. Gerhold was one of my favorite teachers at Clay HS. I really appreciated that he let me be the Montessori child that I was and allowed me to do my classwork sitting on the floor! He'll always be fondly remembered as one of the great teachers in my life.

Julie (Baer) Stevens

January 24, 2008

Mrs. Gerhold,

I am so sorry for your loss. Mr. Gerhold was one of my favorite teachers throughout all of my education. I enjoyed his class so much -- he was a teacher that was respected by all. He helped me out in a few situations at Clay and I will always be thankful to him.

I will keep you and your family in my prayers.

John & Cheryl (Krzyzaniak) Gardner

January 24, 2008

What else can we say...Jim, we are really gonna miss you. Our sympathies to Suzanne and the family.

Jean Musial (Von Bergen)

January 24, 2008

My sympathies to all the family. I had the pleasure of getting the best Math teacher the county had to offer. I was lucky enough to have been in his classes 3 years during the mid 70's. He was always happy to help me whenever I had questions and had a unique way of explaining higher Math that I could understand.
He also stepped outside of the box from teacher and helped with Student Council. I remember that he would give rides to myself and others if we couldn't make it to Council meetings.
He was always very professional and yet could crack up with the students. I miss him already.

Ann(Swanson) Dean

January 24, 2008

I was so sad to read about Jim's death. I will miss his smile and great conversations whenever I saw him at Martin's Supermarket shopping with Suzanne. I remember when he retired and talked about traveling. My sympathy and love to his family.

JAMES DAVIS

January 24, 2008

Gerhold Family,
My deepest sympathies to you on your loss. Big Jim was a great friend and he will be missed.

Jim Davis
SB Central Class of 1965
Ft Myers, Florida

Joan (Von Bergen) Kintzele

January 24, 2008

I am very sorry to learn of Mr. Gerhold's passing. Just last week I was sharing a story about how he always made math easy - and I wasn't the smartest math student! Mr. Gerhold would look over at me in class and see the "deer in the headlights" look on my face, and he would stop and take the time to explain whatever we were discussing. He never made me feel "dumb" for not knowing an answer, and I really appreciated his encouragement. When he said, "you'll get this, Joan," I knew that I would. I will miss him, and I offer my deepest sympathies to his family.

John Ferrell

January 24, 2008

Suzanne, Mrs. Gerhold, and Janice:

I am deeply saddened that Jim lost his fight with that nasty cancer, but am relieved that his physical suffering has ended. I will miss him greatly as a dear friend. We were so close during my formative high school days and as adults. Jim was a truly remarkable human being and was very successful in seemingly all aspects of his life.

Beyond being a talented person in so many areas, his spontaneous good cheer, humor, and perspective on life were inspirational to many. On a personal note I was extremely touched that Jim and Suzanne took the time to visit my aging parents last summer during one of his last "up" periods.

Suzanne, you have been an inspiration in the manner in which you stayed with Jim and assisted him through what has been the most difficult of times. I want to thank you for letting me stay close to Jim during his tragic illness. Jan and I will stay in touch with you during our more frequent visits to South Bend. Sorry I cannot be with you today.

JP OCONNOR

January 23, 2008

Will not foget Big Jim and his sense of humor. God Bless. JPOC, Class of 65.

Sandy (Beard) Nowatka, Class of '65

January 23, 2008

Dear Dorothy,

Just as Jerry Ward said, I attended school with Jim from Marquette, to Muessel, to Central. We dated after our graduation. He had come to the funeral home when my father died. I'll never forget how touched I was when he told me that both he and his dad had donated blood for my dad.

Jim & I shared a love for math. I had considered becoming a math teacher myself. I'm so happy that he was a great teacher & had such an impact on so many students and others.

Jim was a very fun and kind person. You and his entire family have my deepest sympathy.

Greg Bitsko

January 23, 2008

Suzanne,
Please accept our deepest sympathy, I counted Jim not only as a respected colleague, but a trusted friend. Though we are back home in Pennsylvania, our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Memory Eternal,

Greg and Suzanne Bitsko

Don Gerhold

January 23, 2008

I am so stunned and saddened to hear of Mr. Gerhold's passing. This is especially hard as he was not only an extraordinary teacher but also a relative. At Clay High School everyone would ask me if he was my dad. We both got a laugh out of it and anytime he would see me in the hall he would say, "Hello, son." He had that huge smile and I would answer, " Hey, dad." Offically he was a second cousin but he was so much more. I credit some of the talents and gifts he shared with me for becoming a teacher today.I will NEVER forget the strength he showed and the emotion I felt at seeing him spend precious energy to come pay his respects to me and my family when my own dad passed away. I will treasure that moment. I am so sorry I am unable to get back to South Bend in time to pay my respects in person. My thoughts and prayers will be with you.

Joe Fitzgerald

January 23, 2008

I received one of the saddest phone calls in a long time when a friend in South Bend called and told me of Jim's passing. I considered Jim to be one of my best friends in high school and probably spent as much time at his house when we were growing up as I did at mine. Mr. and Mrs. G. would welcome all of Jim's friends and we would play basketball until Mr G. flicked the lights when it was time to finish.

I can truly understand the comments of his former students. I can see Jim as a wonderful teacher of math and life.

My fondest condolences to Suzanne, Mrs. G. and Janice.

Rick Baer

January 23, 2008

Mrs Gerhold:

I am deeply sorry for your loss. Mr Gerhold was one of my favorite teachers at Clay High School and also one of the best. He had the knack for making complex mathematics [such as calculus] simple and understandable. He had a positive impact on my life, and on the lives of many other students at Clay High School. We will miss him.

With sympathy,

Jerry Ward

January 23, 2008

I knew Jim from Marquette, to Muessel, and Central HS. We played alot of ball together but what I remember most was his kindness and sense of humor. It has been years since we spoke but the memories are like yesterday

Hans Werlen

January 23, 2008

It was with sorrow that I learned of the death of Mr. Gerhold. He and his wife hosted me when I visited South Bend as a foreign exchange student (a long time ago) and I never forgot their kindness and generosity. I extend my sincerest condolences to Mrs. Gerhold.

Spence Badet

January 23, 2008

I am so sorry to hear about Jim's passing. He was an inspiration to me and many of the Central class of '65, DePauw alums, and math lovers. Surely, he will be missed.

Linda (Labuzienski) Eberhardt

January 23, 2008

I am very sad to hear of Mr. Gerhold's passing. I was fortunate to have had Mr. Gerhold for two years at CHS (Class of 1974). He always showed dedication to students' academic success, but also took an interest in their personal lives, too. He was the best.

Jim Thomas

January 23, 2008

I remember Jim from South Bend Central and his talent on the court. It is evident by reading the guestbook that he truly left a mark and inspired many people in his life. May the Lord surround you with His Peace and love until that great day when you are once again united with Jim.

LaSalle Class of 67

Paula (Hensley) Bodnar

January 23, 2008

I am so sorry to hear of Mr.Gerhold Passing. I had him as a teacher in the 80's at Clay. Then after I graduated, I would wait on Mr. Gerhold at TCU. He will be missed by all.

Sue Rector (Kruger)

January 23, 2008

I was very sad to hear about Mr. Gerholds passing. He was one of my very favorite teachers at Clay High, he treated us like we were all his children.My thoughts and prayers are with his wife and family.He will be missed.

Tim Haley

January 23, 2008

Jim and I were great friends at Muessel and at Central where we both played on the basketball team until our family moved to Florida at the end of my sophomore year. He was a wonderful friend who helped make the world a better place.

Paul Brunner

January 23, 2008

My deepest sympathies to the Family. I graduated Clay in 1976, and Jim was my favorite teacher. He taught me not only about math, but how to be true to oneself. He was one of the reasons I survived highschool. I have thought of him often since those days.

Carol Brennan

January 23, 2008

Deepest sympathies on the passing of Jim. He was a great asset to the Central Class of '65. Will miss seeing him on Sat. mornings at the Farmer's Market. My prayers are with you.
Carol (Fiedler) Brennan
Central H.S. Class of 1965

Tom Vandewalle

January 23, 2008

We are very sad to hear of Jim's passing.He was a wonderful person.
Our thoughts & prayers are with you Suzanne.
We will miss seeing him at the Farmers Mkt.
He was always so upbeat & friendly.
He will always be remembered.

Tom & Jane Vandewalle
ps. we are in Fla. for the winter & won't be at the funeral home

Jenifer Onderdonk-Hawkins

January 23, 2008

I am so sorry to hear of Mr. Gerhold's passing! He was one of my favorite teachers when I was at Clay HS. He always had time for anyone that needed more help and made himself available even during his lunch period. He made a difficult subject fun and was alway encouraging. I can't remember how many times I have told my kids about how lucky I was to have had him for a teacher. For always I have and will continue to view Mr. Gerhold as the gold standard of what a great teacher should be.

Jenifer Onderdonk-Hawkins, Class of 1976

William Crum

January 23, 2008

My deepest sympathies to the family. When I learned of Jim's passing, my first thoughts were of growing up & playing basketball & skating in the backyard at his home on Beverley. I will always remember & cherish those times. You will be missed.

Melody Towle (Holycross)

January 23, 2008

I wish to extent my condolences to the family of Mr. Gerhold. It has been over 30 years ago, but he was my favorite teacher at Clay High School. He was a very kind person.

Candice Stoner-Engle

January 23, 2008

For Jan, Dorothy, and Suzanne,

We were saddened to learn about Jim's passing. Please know that your family is in our thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time. I often think of the good old days at Memorial and our trip to Las Vegas.
Fondly,

debbie Matheis

January 23, 2008

My deepest sympathies go out to your family in this time of sorrow. Mr. Gerhold was my math teacher at Clay back in the late 80's. I always loved the smile he had on his face every morning when I would see him in the hallways and then again later in the day when I had him for class. He was truly a great teacher as well as an awesome person and he will be greatly missed.
Sincerely,
Debbie(Block) Matheis

William Wilson

January 23, 2008

I was saddened to learn of Mr. Gerhold's passing. While I had taken only one class with Mr. Gerhold, I always enjoyed talking with him.

Mr. Gerhold was an excellent teacher. I took a computer programming course with him, and he found ways to explain concepts that made sense to my mind.

One of the things I like most about him was his approach or outlook. Whenever he worked with students, he used humor, common sense, and encouragement to help students succeed. Even after I had taken his class, I can recall a small group of us students would chat with him on a daily basis while he was on hall duty. We enjoyed it and looked forward to those visits.

I will remember Mr. Gerhold for many things. He moved beyond the typical student-teacher relationship to one of learner-elder. He simply didn't lecture in the classroom. He passed along his wisdom and lessons through his conduct. He did not need a chalkboard to be a great teacher.

Bill Wilson
Clay High School Class of 1984

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