Helen Gerow Obituary
She was born Aug. 12, 1914 in Jackson, Michigan a daughter to Thomas M. & Agnes (Krum) Hooper.
Helen had made her home in Sturgis from 1938-1978 when she and her husband moved to Klinger Lake.
On May 4, 1940 she married Thomas A. Gerow at the St. James Chapel in Howe, Indiana. He died May 10, 1998. Mrs. Gerow retired in 1984 from the Sturgis Public Schools where she had taught elementary education for 39 years. She received her teaching certificate from Albion College and later earned her Masters degree from Western Michigan University.
Helen was an active member of the St. John’s Episcopal Church in Sturgis where she served on the St. John’s Guild and taught Sunday school for many years. She enjoyed gardening, playing golf and tennis and traveling. She is survived her daughter, Mary Sutter of Klinger Lake, her sons, Dan & Rose Gerow of Sturgis, MI and Thomas Gerow of Eugene Oregon, her grandchildren, Samantha & Michael Stichter of Greensboro, NC, Heather Gerow of San Francisco, CA, Stephen & Shelly Sutter of Grand Rapids, MI, Matthew & Laura Sutter of Sturgis, Emily Baer of Kalamazoo and John & Alicia Rudinski of Sturgis, her great grandchildren, Andrew & Jack Stichter, Taylor, Julia & Sarah Sutter and several nieces and nephews.
Her parents, husband and two brothers, Thomas Hooper and Robert Hooper preceded her in death.
In accordance with her wishes cremation has taken place. The family will receive friends at the HACKMAN-Foglesong Funeral Home of Sturgis on Wednesday from 5:00-8:00 P.M. A memorial Requiem Mass celebrating the life of Helen H. Gerow will be held at 11:00 A.M. Thursday at the St. John’s Episcopal Church in Sturgis. The Rev. Fr. Guy Sherman will officiate. Immediately following the Mass a committal ceremony will be held in the Church’s garden repository.
The family suggests those wishing to make a memorial donation in Mrs. Gerow’s memory consider the St. John’s Episcopal Church of the James Allen Sturgis Public Schools Endowment Fund. Envelopes are available at the funeral home.
The obituary is also at www.legacy.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
5 Entries
Janice Garn
February 2, 2004
Dear Mary and family,
I was saddened to hear of your mother's recent passing. "Mrs. Gerow" as I so fondly called her was a gentle soul who always spoke such kind and caring words to me during my time at St. John's. God Bless.
Jean (Sauer) Hochstetler
January 22, 2004
Dear Mary and family,
Please accept my sympathy for the loss of your wonderful mother. I have many memories of your mother, as a teacher and friend of the family.
A Halloween has never passed that I haven't remembered going into the Gerow's house for popcorn balls. Those were great days!
Your mother was a kind, fun and warm lady.
Fondly,
Mary Ahmad
January 22, 2004
To Mary & Family,
Let me offer my condolences and sympathy for the loss of your Mother. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Amy (Shinn) Sayers
January 20, 2004
To the family of Helen Gerow:
I was fortunate enought to have Helen as my second grade teacher at Congress School back in the early 70's. What a wonderful lady. She is one of those great teachers that made such an impression on me that I chose the profession of teaching myself. She will be lovingly remember by all those lives she touched.
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Jane Poffenberger-Hughes
January 19, 2004
Dear Dan, Tom, and Mary Helen,
I am so sorry to hear about your mom's passing. You are all in my thoughts and prayers at this time.
Your mom was a wonderful lady and I have so many fond memories of her. She was loved by so many of us kids in the neighborhood.
My memories run from going to church with all of you, to dancing around the house in costumes, to so many different musicals.
My son asked that I also send his sympathy. Years ago I showed your mom a paper that he had written about her in high school. The paper was about the person who most influenced your life. Ryan had your mom in second grade at Congress and she discovered his dyslexcia. She worked so hard with him that he was able to skip the fourth grade and graduate from high school at age 16. When he graduated he also had a semester of college behind him. He went on to college to become a teacher.
Again my sympathy to all of you, I know your loss since losing my mom last year.
Love
Jane
Showing 1 - 5 of 5 results
114 S Nottawa St, Sturgis, MI 49091
Make a Donation
in Helen Gerow's name
People and places connected with Helen
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support Helen's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Helen Gerow's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
Sponsored