Gerald Kanska

"Gerald Kanska" KINGSFORD - Gerald John Kanska, 79, of 725 Withworth Ave., Kingsford, died Friday, Oct. 24, 2003, at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Iron Mountain. He was born May 6, 1924, in Eau Claire, Wis., son of the late John and Letha (Guthrie) Kanska. He was a lifelong resident of the area and attended Kingsford Schools. Gerald was a World War II Army veteran serving in the 744th Railroad Battalion in Europe from 1943 to 1946 when he was honorably discharged as a sergeant. He married the former Alice Querio on March 6, 1948, at the First United Methodist Church in Iron Mountain. She preceded him in death on Nov. 11, 2000. Gerald was employed at Lakeshore, Inc. as a welder, fabricator, and layout man for 37 years until retiring in 1986. Gerald served as constable of Breitung Township for seven years and was also a volunteer for the East Kingsford Fire Department. He was a life member of the VFW Post 3674, where he served as senior vice president, and the AMVETS Post 777, where he was past post commander. Gerald was also a member of the American Legion Post 50 and a life long member of the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 23. He did years of volunteer work for the Veterans Administration Hospital and was a V.A. Voluntary Services representative for the AMVETS at the hospital. Gerald attended the First United Methodist Church in Iron Mountain. He loved fishing, gardening, hunting and dancing. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him. Gerald was also preceded in death by a sister, Betty Hallman and three brothers-in-law, Zippy Hallman, Jack Price and Chuck Nash. He is survived by two daughters, Peggy (Patrick) Barkley of Raleigh, N.C. and Sally (Ronald) Osterberg of Aurora, Wis.; three sisters, Edna Nash of Kingsford, Joyce (Andy) Butsic of Kingsford, and Norma Price of Ashland, Wis.; a step-grandson, Jason (Rebecca) Barkley; a God grandson, Christopher Meier; special friend, Ida Anderson and several nieces and nephews; close friends and neighbors. Visitation will be today from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Erickson-Rochon and Nash Funeral Home in Iron Mountain. Funeral services will follow at 1 p.m. at the funeral home. Rev. William Seitz will officiate. The Legion Post 50 will conduct military graveside services at Cemetery Park following the funeral service. A luncheon will be served at the First United Methodist Church on 5th Street in Iron Mountain immediately after. Condolences may be expressed to the family of Gerald Kanska online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com for those who can not attend the services. The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the funeral arrangements.

Gerald Kanska

October 24, 1924 - October 24, 2003