Gerard A. Gelaude Jr.

Born on June 9th, 1943 to Gerard Gelaude Sr. and Sarah LaPonsa, “Jerry” grew up in the Harper Woods area and attended Poupard Elementary, Parcells Junior High, and then Grosse Pointe South High School. Those that knew him would probably agree that his kindness, generosity, and great sense of humor, were the things his friends and family loved most about him.

In 1963, Gerard married his first wife, Sharon Ernst and by 1966 they welcomed his one and only child, Marcy Lynn, into the world. He was a devoted father, son, grandfather, friend, and husband, a hard worker, a phenomenal artist, and a playful and creative spirit who was always willing to help others and offer a kind word of encouragement and a big smile.

For most of his life, Gerard enjoyed working in the automotive industry as a draftsman and automotive designer and during this time fostered several lasting friendships with people he met along the way.

As an avid boater, he enjoyed going to Harsen’s Island where he had spent a lot of time during his youth and loved spending time outdoors with his friends and family on Lake Saint Clair.

Gerard married Joyce Ruman in 1995 and for over 20 years they enjoyed entertaining, traveling, and spending their golden years together. In 1993, Gerard's daughter Marcy married Milan Konrad and soon thereafter, he became the proud grandfather to their daughter, Monika Lauren, and stayed busy attending her birthday parties, school functions, and concerts while he and his wife also enjoyed spending time with Joyce’s other grandchildren, Christina, Norman, Blake, and Richard. After Gerard sold his house on the water in Harrison Township, he and Joyce retired and enjoyed condo living in the scenic and woodsy surroundings of the Big Rapids, Michigan area.

Gerard is survived by his wife, Joyce Gelaude, daughter, Marcy Gelaude, grand-daughter, Monika Konrad, and former son-in-law, Milan Konrad. He also leaves behind, his step-son, Brent Waldron (Lee Hill), step-daughter Kim (Joe) Valerio, and step-grandchildren, Norman, Christina, Blake, and Richard.

Additionally, Gerard is predeceased by his father, Gerard Gelaude Sr., his mother, Sarah LaPonsa, and his brother, Michael Gelaude. He is also predeceased by his Step-father, Ira Cook, his brothers, Kirk, Kit, Rick, and Brad, and his sister, Kathy, but is survived by his sister, Joan Cook.

Visitation will take place from 1:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. Sunday, March 8, 2020 at Kaul Funeral Home, 35201 Garfield Rd., Clinton Twp., MI. A funeral service will be held at 6:00 p.m. Sunday, March 8, 2020 at the funeral home.

The burial will take place at The White Chapel Cemetery on Long Lake Road in Troy at 11:00am on Monday, March 9th, 2020. Loved ones that would like to be present for the burial are welcome to meet us at the entrance of The White Chapel Cemetery, Monday morning at 10:45am.

* * * * * * * * * *

Gerard A. Gelaude, age 76, went to be with our Lord and Savior on Tuesday, February 25th, 2020. He passed away peacefully at his home in Big Rapids, Michigan with his wife, Joyce, by his side.

Born on June 9th, 1943 to Gerard Gelaude Sr. and Sarah LaPonsa, “Jerry” grew up in the Harper Woods area and attended Poupard Elementary, Parcells Junior High, and then Grosse Pointe South High School. Those that knew him would probably agree that his kindness, generosity, and great sense of humor, were the things his friends and family loved most about him.

In 1963, Gerard married his first wife, Sharon Ernst and by 1966 they welcomed his one and only child, Marcy Lynn, into the world. He was a devoted father, son, grandfather, friend, and husband, a hard worker, a phenomenal artist, and a playful and creative spirit who was always willing to help others and offer a kind word of encouragement and a big smile.

For most of his life, Gerard enjoyed working in the automotive industry as a draftsman and automotive designer and during this time fostered several lasting friendships with people he met along the way.

As an avid boater, he enjoyed going to Harsen’s Island where he had spent a lot of time during his youth and loved spending time outdoors with his friends and family on Lake Saint Clair.

Gerard married Joyce Ruman in 1995 and for over 20 years they enjoyed entertaining, traveling, and spending their golden years together. In 1993, Gerard's daughter Marcy married Milan Konrad and soon thereafter, he became the proud grandfather to their daughter, Monika Lauren, and stayed busy attending her birthday parties, school functions, and concerts while he and his wife also enjoyed spending time with Joyce’s other grandchildren, Christina, Norman, Blake, and Richard. After Gerard sold his house on the water in Harrison Township, he and Joyce retired and enjoyed condo living in the scenic and woodsy surroundings of the Big Rapids, Michigan area.

Gerard is survived by his wife, Joyce Gelaude, daughter, Marcy Gelaude, grand-daughter, Monika Konrad, and former son-in-law, Milan Konrad. He also leaves behind, his step-son, Brent Waldron (Lee Hill), step-daughter Kim (Joe) Valerio, and step-grandchildren, Norman, Christina, Blake, and Richard.

Additionally, Gerard is predeceased by his father, Gerard Gelaude Sr., his mother, Sarah LaPonsa, and his brother, Michael Gelaude. He is also predeceased by his Step-father, Ira Cook, his brothers, Kirk, Kit, Rick, and Brad, and his sister, Kathy, but is survived by his sister, Joan Cook.

Visitation will take place from 1:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. Sunday, March 8, 2020 at Kaul Funeral Home, 35201 Garfield Rd., Clinton Twp., MI. A funeral service will be held at 6:00 p.m. Sunday, March 8, 2020 at the funeral home.

The burial will take place at The White Chapel Cemetery on Long Lake Road in Troy at 11:00am on Monday, March 9th, 2020. Loved ones that would like to be present for the burial are welcome to meet us at the entrance of The White Chapel Cemetery, Monday morning at 10:45am.