Dean A. Gerbel

Dean A. Gerbel, 84, of St. Joseph, passed away, Wednesday, August 11, 2021 at Spectrum Health Lakeland Hospital in St. Joseph. A Celebration of Life Service will be held 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, August 18, 2021 at Zion Evangelical United Church of Christ, 3001 Veronica Dr., St. Joseph, with Rev. Adam Bohland officiating. Burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery, St. Joseph. Friends may visit with the family from 4:00 until 7:00 P.M. Tuesday at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. Memorial Donations in Dean’s name may be made to the Michigan Diabetes Association. Those wishing to sign Dean’s Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Dean was born September 2, 1936 in St. Joseph to Walter & Sophie (Bittner) Gerbel. He graduated from St. Joseph High School, Class of 1954 and went on to earn his Bachelors Degree from Western Michigan University in 1958. Dean served his country in the Army National Guard. He was employed for many years at Clark Equipment in Buchanan, and later gained employment with National Standard in Niles, from where he retired as Director of Purchasing. Dean was an avid golfer and a member of the First Congregational United Church of Christ and the St. Joseph-Benton Harbor Elks Club. Dean is survived by his children-John Gerbel of St. Joseph, and his very special friend, Kebbie Brush, Julie (Ryan) Thornburg of Riverview, FL; his grandson Ethan Jones of Riverview, FL; his former wife Susan Gerbel of St. Joseph; two brothers-Robert (Carol) Gerbel of St. Joseph, Carroll (Linda) Gerbel of Coronado, CA; nieces & nephews-Steven (Claudine) Gerbel, Nancy (Jim) Kodis, Karen Homan, Brad Gerbel, Lisa Gerbel; and several great-nieces & nephews. Dean was preceded in death by his parents.