Gerard Hubert Marie Verschueren

Gerard (aka George) was born in Venlo, Limburg, Netherlands, January 4, 1922, the middle of 3 boys. He attended business college in Heerlen, Netherlands, where he met his wife-to-be. His family had a plumbing/sheet metal/roofing business in Heerlen.

During WWII Gerard successfully assisted the Dutch Resistance in their forays against Germany. He worked as an interpreter for the US Army and met many soldiers, including several who became lifelong friends.

He married Maria Anna Scheuven in 1945 and had two daughters, Yvonne and Margo. He immigrated to the United States in 1950 and his family followed in 1951. They settled in the Detroit Area. Later that year, a son, John, was born. Gerard was instrumental in relocating his wife's immediate family: parents, sisters and spouses to the United States within the next four years.

Gerard worked for various companies in the sheet metal trade and has been a proud member of Sheet Metal Local 80 for 70 years.

Following President John Kennedy's words "...ask what you can do for your country.", Gerard donated time to the zoning boards of Hazel Park and Rochester Hills, many years as their head.

In retirement, he and Maria enjoyed extensive traveling and cruises, collecting over 40,000 sea miles. Their cruise line of choice was, naturally, the Holland America Line.

Gerard was devoted to his family. Known as Opa, he and Oma (Maria) never passed up a chance to babysit for grandchildren or attend any of their functions, especially Rochester High School Marching Band and band concerts.

He is survived by daughters Yvonne Verschueren (widow of Edward Brouhard) of Rochester Hills, Michigan and Margo Tyghem (Tom) of Boca Raton, Florida; son John Verschueren of Rochester Hills, Michigan; six grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren.