Erhard Gerstenkorn

Erhard was a skilled craftsman, generous soul and beloved father who passed away on Sept. 8, 2025, at the age of 83. He was born Sept. 16, 1941, in Germany. He was a 1960 graduate of St. Joseph High School. He worked for Hanson Mold for 35 years before retiring in 2006.

His wife, Renate, passed away March 24, 2024. Erhard is survived by his sister, Ingrid Wadel; children: Brian, Matt, Melessa Gerstenkorn; grandchildren: Kyla, Brielle, Corissa and Anthony; and great-grandchildren: Grayson, Weston and Madison.

Erhard was preceded in death by his parents: Karl and Frieda Gerstenkorn; sister, Hildegard Lehmann; and brother, Horst.

A celebration of life service for Erhard will take place at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 16, at the Starks and Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Road, St. Joseph, MI 49085. You may visit with the family one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

He will be laid to rest in Hickory Bluff Cemetery, Stevensville. Feel free to share a memory with the family at www.starks-menchinger.com.

A master tool and die maker by trade, he dedicated his career to precision and excellence, taking pride in his work and the skills he developed over a lifetime. Retirement never slowed him down – it simply gave him more time to do things he loved most: woodworking, gardening, roasting his own coffee and experimenting with the craft of wine and beer making.

He had an easy way of making hours pass just by talking – usually with a beer in hand and a story about his latest project. His calming presence and firm belief in never holding grudges made him someone people naturally trusted and admired.

The same care and attention to detail he brought to his craft showed in the way he raised his family. Whether he was building something in his shop or offering advice over the phone, he approached it with the same steady patience, thoughtfulness and pride. He didn't just create beautiful things – he helped shape a life for those around him with the same level of dedication.