Gerald "Jerry" Van Wambeke

Mr. Van Wambeke taught civics at Community HS in the '80's. Specifically a course called "Street Law" and another in which we read the history of the the civil rights movement. He was as inspiring and demanding as was acerbically sarcastic often impersonating the "God...Geez" of Archie Bunker to great affect. He was the first teacher who expected me to "think critically" to use the now ubiquitous educational term. I had looked him up to thank him. Sorry to hear that he has died. Jason NYC

Came back to sub at Clague and just learned of Jerry's passing. May your heart find comfort in the blessing of his life.

Alice,Michael and Gia,I am so truly broken hearted over Gerry's passing..i will miss his funny sense of humor and his great stories..i will miss the family updates and grandbaby stories..i am very sorry i wasn't there for the celebration of his life..i just found the note yesterday..I will pray for your family to find peace in this time of grieving..May God bless you all!! RIP Gerry..i will miss seeing you for Haircuts and stories and jokes!!! Sincerely Kirsten Novotny

I was so sorry to hear about Jerry. He was a fantastic teacher and a very special friend. He will be truly missed.
Kay Wade

I'm so sorry to hear of Mr. Vam WamBecke's passing. He was my forum teacher at CHS from 73_76. I remember he had a great sense of humor and a wonderful wife! I would have liked to attend the Friday evening memorial.

So sorry to hear of his passing. At CHS, he was a fun and energetic character, and a great teacher to me.

RIP Mr. Van, one of the finest of my teachers. As a teacher, he went far above and beyond; I remember he took Slauson's "Political Interest Club" to see night court in Detroit. I never knew he had a JD. A fine man with a fine family. My heart is with you.

What a good picture. We will miss him and the dinner parties we all had. He loved lamb! Have fun up there, Gerry!

Alice, so sorry to read of Gerry's passing. He was such an excellent person and educator. We were priveledged to call him our colleague. Our hearts and prayers go out to you and your family.