Geraldine "Gerry" Bethke

Geraldine (Gerry) Bethke, of Saginaw, Michigan, went to be with our Lord on Monday, September 18, 2017, at the age of 91. Geraldine Ruth Smith was born on April 07, 1926 to the late Emily S. (Anger) and Roy S. Smith in LaPorte, MI. She graduated from Midland High School in 1944. She married the love of her life, Doran O. Bethke, on Aug. 22, 1947, at LaPorte Methodist Church, and they recently celebrated their 70th anniversary. He survives her. Gerry then joined Doran as a member of the Lutheran faith. They have attended a few area churches over the years and currently worship at Gloria Dei Lutheran in Saginaw. Gerry worked at Koeppen's General Store in LaPorte and Newberry's Dept. Store in Midland. Throughout the years she worked in the food service industry at Pat's Chili King in Midland and they operated Freeland Drive In in Freeland from 1960-62. Then back to the Tastee Grill in Midland, and Gateway Motel in Midland. Eventually she found her way through a temp service to Dow Corning Medical Products, Hemlock, retiring in 1989. Mom always loved to sing; on road trips, we could count on her to lead us in "sing along with Mom" as she attempted to teach us some old tunes. She had been a member of Sweet Adeline's, Sounds of Harmony and church choirs over the years. Gerry had enjoyed playing cards, doing crafts and scrap booking. Also bowling and deer hunting. She enjoyed RV camping with Dad and they had been members of both Wally Byam and Good Sam camping groups. They had walked the Mackinaw Bridge several times. Mom and Dad had exhibited several antiques in the Saginaw County Fair for many years. Gerry and her friend Dean had taken a Judo class, way back when, at Delta College shortly after it opened. Besides her husband Doran, she is also survived by one son, Rollie and Bonnie Bethke of Jackson, one daughter Kathy and Greg Rollwagen of Saginaw. Five grandchildren, Branden Bethke, Joplin, MO, Kendra (John) Huckins, Riverdale, MI, Jared (Melinda) Bethke, Rikki Bethke, and Quinten (Samantha) Bethke, all of the Jackson area. Grand daughter-in-law, Angela and Joe Smith, Birch Run, MI. Nine great-grandchildren, Jamie and Ronnie Bock, Sawyer and Easton Huckins, Nicole Bishop, Dakota, Tanner, Shelby and Gabriella Bethke. Two step great-grandchildren Ashley and Damon Hudson. Also one brother Gene and Cathy Smith and two sisters-in-law Marlene (the late Ken) Smith and Mary Ellen Smith. Many nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family and friends In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by one grandson, Bill Bock, one grand-daughter-in law, Charity Bethke. Two brothers Ronnie and Ken Smith and two sisters Eleanor Donaldson and Nora Huebner. Funeral service will take place at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, September 21, 2017, at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 5250 Mackinaw Road, Saginaw. Rev. Homer Mosley Jr. will officiate with burial in LaPorte Cemetery. Gerrys family will receive friends at the W. L. Case & Company Funeral Chapel, 4480 Mackinaw Road, Saginaw, from 2:00 - 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, and then at the church on Thursday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service. The family would like to extend thanks to the staff of Barton Woods Assisted Living and Compassus Hospice for the care given to her in the last 3 months. Those wishing to make a memorial contribution may consider Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, the family, or a charity of your choice. www.casefuneralhome.com

Funeral Home:
W. L. Case and Company Mackinaw Funeral Chapel
4480 Mackinaw Road
Saginaw, MI
US 48603