Gerard W. Brown

Gerard W. Brown, 83, of Belding went to be with his Lord Tuesday morning October 8, 2019 at home under the loving care of his family and Ionia Area Hospice. Gerard was born on March 4, 1936 in Belding the son of Harold and Bernice (Petersen) Brown.  In his earlier years, Gerard attended elementary school at Cooks Corners and graduated from Belding High School with the Class of 1954. He later attended Grand Rapids Baptist Bible College for two years and  took correspondence with Judson Bible College and Fort Wayne University.  For many years, Gerard had worked with his father at Brown’s Service at Cooks Corners. He often joked about being able to help pump gas since he was 8 years old. He worked at Brown’s Service from 1944 to 1997, staying on about 20 years after the death of his father.  He, like his father,  was blessed with the talent and ability to repair all types of starters and generators. The repair business was well known for being fairly priced and doing excellent work. Gerard was an active member of Ashley Baptist Church, Belding where he had served as a Deacon and Sunday School teacher for many years. He had a strong faith in Jesus and was eager to share his faith with others. He was married on August 5, 1967 in Grand Rapids to Judy Ratcliffe. Gerard is loved and survived by his wife Judy and their children; Gib (Kathryn) Brown, Janelle (Tim) Ruppert all of Belding, his grandchildren; Zander Ruppert, Mackenzie Ruppert, Gabriel Brown,  Nathaniel Brown and close family friends; Charles and Raejean Loper. He was preceded in death by his parents. Funeral services will be 2:00 PM Saturday October 19, 2019 at Ashley Baptist Church, Belding  with Dr. David A. Oliver officiating. Visitation will be Friday from 6-8 PM at Johnson-Feuerstein Funeral Home, Belding. Committal prayers will take place later at Otisco Township Cemetery, Belding. Memorials may be given to Camp CoBeAc,  Keys for Kids or Ionia Area Hospice. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home and church. 

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