Gordon P. Gerrits

Gordon Peter Gerrits, age 94 of Appleton, WI joined his heavenly kingdom on December 22, 2023.  He was born to Jacob and Catherine (Peeters) Gerrits on February 17, 1929 in Appleton, WI.  After the early passing of his father, Gordon left school in 8th grade to support his family in his place.  He worked as a millworker, chiefly as a tow motor operator for Riverside Paper Company, finally retiring in 1991 after 33 years of loyal service.  He met the love of his life, Audrey Cotter, and they were married in May of 1950 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Appleton and together, they raised 4 wonderful children. 

Gordon was a humorous man who loved to laugh.  He was a big guy with a gentle soul.  In his younger years, Gordon loved fishing up in Crivitz on Lake Noquebay.  He always supported the Wisconsin sports teams and always hated to see them lose.  You could often find Gordon drinking a Brandy Manhattan with his friends and playing a game of Sheepshead.  More than anything, though, Gordon loved his family.  He was so proud of his kids, his grandkids, and his great-grandkids, and spent as much time with them as he could. 

Gordon is survived by his children, Lawrence Gerrits, Keith (Shelly) Gerrits, Joseph Gerrits, and Linda (Mike) Kammer; his grandchildren, Rachel (Courtney) Franzen and Jake (Alanna) Gerrits; his step-grandchildren, Chris (Amber) Kammer, Craig (S.O. Sam) Kammer, and Quentin (S.O. Kristina) Kammer; his great-grandchildren, Fisher Franzen, Sophia Franzen, Treyson Kammer, and Maverick Kammer; his sister-in-law, Mary Gerrits; as well as many nieces, nephews, other extended relatives, and dear friends. 

Gordon is preceded in death by his wife, Audrey Gerrits; his siblings, Grace (Jack) Vander Heiden, Evelyn Gerrits, Joanne Werner, Bernice (Levi) Kern, Julia (Jerry) Pankratz, Florence (Bud) Horn, Dorothy (Don) Kruckeberg, and Marvin Gerrits; and his siblings-in-law, LaVila (Cletus “Fish”) Gaffney and Russell (Cecelia “Babe”) Cotter. 

A funeral visitation will be held for Gordon from 9-11 AM on Tuesday, January 9, 2023 at St. Bernadette Catholic Church, 2331 E. Lourdes Dr, Appleton, WI with a funeral mass to follow at 11 AM.  Gordon will be laid to rest with his beloved wife at Highland Memorial Park in Appleton at a later date. 

Gordon’s family would like to send a special thanks to the doctors, nurses, and other staff at Rennes Health and Rehabilitation Center for all their care and compassion shown to Gordon in his time of need. 

You’ll forever be in our hearts, dad.  If you’re keeping an eye on us, we promise to behave.