Gerald Fayas

"Gerald Fayas" IRON MOUNTAIN - Gerald James Fayas, 71, of 812 W. Hughitt St., Iron Mountain, died Saturday, April 23, 2005, at the VA Medical Center in Iron Mountain following a lengthy illness. Gerald was born Sept. 18, 1933, in Tipler, Wis. He was the son of the late Paul and Clara (Manke) Fayas. Gerald was a lifelong resident of the Iron Mountain area. Gerald married the love of his life Sharon Paulson on Oct. 27, 1956. They spent 42 years together before she preceded him in death on May 16, 1998. Gerald served his country four years with much pride in the U.S. Air Force from January 1952 through December 1955. Stationed in London, England most of those years, he received a National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal and honorable discharge. Gerald worked many years as supervisor at Kafka Asphalt Petroleum Co. until retirement. He was inspired by every opportunity to help someone in need and his serenity came from the simple things in life. God and family were always number one. With his zest for life he lived to cook, cut up venison, putz at "the new camp," enjoy his grandsons, make sausage, sing, tell a joke or two and devote a lifetime of giving to others. With a giving heart and an open home, there was always room for one more at the kitchen table. He offered such comfort and kindness without expectation. Survivors include four children, Donna (Tom) Johnson of Iron Mountain, Darlene Hehn of Iron Mountain, Darrell (Debbie) Fayas of Iron Mountain and Diane (Paul) Rasmussen of Iron Mountain; grandsons, Jeremy, Justin, and Jaime Fayas of Iron Mountain; granddaughters, Alicia Hehn of Kingsford and Anne DeCrecsenzo of Iron Mountain; five sisters, Doris Gruell of Kingsford, Evelyn (Orville) Larson, Joyce (Howard) Stenerson of Red Wing, Minn., Lorraine (Eldred) Fayas of Iron Mountain and Carol (Henry) Gardiner of Alburtis, Pa.; a brother, Paul (Wanita) Fayas Jr., of Kingsford, a special lil pal, Riley, and four granddogs; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Gerald was preceded in death by a son, Daniel Fayas; son-in-law, Douglas Hehn; and a sister, Gertrude Lindblom. To know him was to love him. A very loving father, grandpa to many, great friend to all. Forever Together! Visitation will be held on Wednesday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home in Iron Mountain. Services will be at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Rev. David Wilton will officiate. Burial will be at the Quinnesec Cemetery. The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home with the funeral arrangements.

Gerald Fayas

April 23, 1934 - April 23, 2005