Welcome to the memorial page for
Gary Gezel
November 11, 1918 ~ December 5, 2017 (age 99) 99 Years Old Light a Candle
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A candle was lit by Janet Gezel Sharp
on November 11, 2021 5:56 PM
A candle was lit by Janet
on September 19, 2019 7:50 AM
Message from Mona Ver Heul Vellema
December 17, 2017 3:25 PM
Dear Lynda and Janet,
I discovered your father’s obituary and wanted to express my sympathy to you. I remember your family fondly. Especially I Remember you Janet. We did so many fun things——-riding bikes to the swimming pool, Koolaid stands, playing store in your basement, playing paper dolls, getting truck drivers to honk their horns on Washington St. You were my best friend, and we sure had fun with all the neighborhood gang.
I still remember my dad telling mom when something broke—-“call Gary and he’ll fix it”. And he did. It meant a lot to our family when at my father’s grave side ceremony—it was your dad who handed the flag to mom. Also Mom appreciated your visit to her in the nursing home.
I know you have many memories to cherish and I wish you peace and love.
I discovered your father’s obituary and wanted to express my sympathy to you. I remember your family fondly. Especially I Remember you Janet. We did so many fun things——-riding bikes to the swimming pool, Koolaid stands, playing store in your basement, playing paper dolls, getting truck drivers to honk their horns on Washington St. You were my best friend, and we sure had fun with all the neighborhood gang.
I still remember my dad telling mom when something broke—-“call Gary and he’ll fix it”. And he did. It meant a lot to our family when at my father’s grave side ceremony—it was your dad who handed the flag to mom. Also Mom appreciated your visit to her in the nursing home.
I know you have many memories to cherish and I wish you peace and love.
Message from Janet Sharp
December 17, 2017 6:13 PM
Dear Mona, I just love all your memories of our childhood. I have a ton too. We had a great life. I often think of you and tell my Granddaughter about you. She's eight years old. I thank you for remembering my Dad for folding your Dad's flag. He had the honor of doing so for hundreds of Pella residents. So sorry about Auntie Fran. I would often see her at Fair Haven in the past. I will never forget you. If I could, I would go back one week, and relive, my time on West Third Street, as a child.
Love to you, and your family.
Love to you, and your family.
Message from Stan Verheul
December 16, 2017 7:18 PM
I remember your family well, having grown up in the neighborhood. Gary and Dorothy were a warm and welcoming family. John was closest to my age; I am sorry to read that he is gone. For as long as my parents lived on Lincoln, everything electric came from or went to Gary for repair. Bless you as you lay him to rest.
Message from Janet Sharp
December 17, 2017 8:32 AM
Thank you, Stan. I will always remember your entire family and going uptown, with Mona,to get baked goods on Saturday, for Sunday coffee time, with Auntie Fran. She was quite a gal!
Message from Lowell VerHeul
December 16, 2017 11:25 AM
I happened upon this because our beloved Aunt Fran, who used to live on Columbus Street, not far from your house, died a few days ago. How well I remember your family on West Third! We lived on Lincoln Street, and I often played with the two Lindas--Gezel and Breuklander. I see that your father was born on Armistice Day and died just two days before Pearl Harbor day. Saw the video on Youtube in which he recounted meeting Dorothy. May you cherish all the family memories!
Message from Janet Sharp
December 17, 2017 8:41 AM
Those plays, we used to put on for our parents, were pure genius, on your part! All the memories. Whenever, I see gladiolas, I think of you. Thank you, and my condolences, to your family, on the passing of "Auntie Fran".
Message from Lynda Gezel Sutton
December 16, 2017 8:17 PM
Lowell-Thank you for your kind words. What fun we used to have! thank you for remembering my Dad. He loved all the neighborhood kids.
love, Lynda
love, Lynda
Message from Craig Douwstra
December 9, 2017 11:49 AM
Lynda & Janet
We know he is better now,and happy with your mom and John. I have some of the same
memories as Ken about your dad fixing our TV . I remember your mom and dad at the legion hall with my parents and the fun that was had there.I have memories of your parents as great people and friends to my family. My thoughts and prayers are with you both.
With Love
Craig
We know he is better now,and happy with your mom and John. I have some of the same
memories as Ken about your dad fixing our TV . I remember your mom and dad at the legion hall with my parents and the fun that was had there.I have memories of your parents as great people and friends to my family. My thoughts and prayers are with you both.
With Love
Craig
Message from Janet Sharp
December 12, 2017 6:31 AM
Thank you, Craig
Message from Janis Patton
December 8, 2017 10:38 PM
To all of Gary's family, we send our deepest regrets. Losing your dad is so very hard as I well know but the wonderful memories of the past will keep his love alive in your hearts. You were blessed to have him as your father and the friendship between Gary and my dad, Pete Gaass, is a special memory for me.
God bless you all!
God bless you all!
Message from Janet Sharp
December 9, 2017 6:36 AM
Thank you, Janis. It means a lot to me for you to remember my Dad, as I remember your's.
Message from Ken Vandevoort
December 7, 2017 11:14 PM
The only bright spot of having the TV go on the fritz when you were a kid was that Gary Gezel would show up with his tube caddy and tube tester. He quickly had the back off the TV and always knew which tube to test and replace and he was usually correct. I was fascinated with the colorful tube cartons in his caddy. Several years later, I was interested in ham radio and George Carson convinced me I should build my own equipment. Gary helped by providing a bushel basket of junk radios and TVs. I drilled rivets and unsoldered wires to collect parts, many of which I still have. I built my first transmitter in Jim Ruthven's senior shop class with old parts from the junkers and new parts from the Electronics Associates truck that stopped at Gary's shop every week. The transmitter worked. Gary's station wagon would frequently come down the alley with a console TV stuffed in the back end. I also remember him getting on a plane and visiting various parts of the world, more than once. Those were great memories.
Most importantly, Gary taught all of us that the oath of enlistment we took was for life, not just a set number of years. WWII profoundly changed his life forever. It gave him a family. This airman proudly gives Gary a hand salute. He was the greatest generation.
Most importantly, Gary taught all of us that the oath of enlistment we took was for life, not just a set number of years. WWII profoundly changed his life forever. It gave him a family. This airman proudly gives Gary a hand salute. He was the greatest generation.
Message from Janet Sharp
December 9, 2017 6:40 AM
Wow, what great memories of my Dad, and, the sentiments. How wonderfully thoughtful of you. Your posting has made my day. I love memories and shared quite a few with him for the last years since my Mom died. Thank You so much!
A candle was lit by Georgia Pierson
on December 6, 2017 7:43 PM
Message from Sue Brayman
December 6, 2017 7:06 PM
Dear Lynda. So very sorry to hear about the loss of your father. He was such a sweet man and it was a pleasure to know him. I’m sure he made friends wherever he went. You have wonderful memories of him.
A candle was lit by Sue Brayman
on December 6, 2017 6:58 PM
A candle was lit by Vicki Shusterman
on December 6, 2017 9:41 AM
Message from Jodi L Mullinax
December 5, 2017 2:11 PM
Janet,
So very sorry for your loss! Sending healing thoughts and prayers your way, my sweet friend!
Love you lots,
Jodi
So very sorry for your loss! Sending healing thoughts and prayers your way, my sweet friend!
Love you lots,
Jodi
Message from Janet Sharp
December 9, 2017 6:43 AM
Dear Jodi, Thank you for your love and friendship. I wore your Mom's necklace, everyday, at every occasion, this week. Keeping your love close to my heart. xx
A candle was lit by Jodi Ward Mullinax
on December 5, 2017 2:04 PM
Message from Rodger and Sherry Braafhart
December 5, 2017 12:59 PM
Janet, Rodger and I wish to express our sympathy to you and your family. We have great memories of your dad--he was a very special person. Keeping you and your family in our thoughts and prayers.
Message from Janet Sharp
December 9, 2017 6:47 AM
Dear Rodger and Sherry, I almost wrote, "Rodger the Dodger". The neighborhood kids always called him that! Oh, thank you, for your wonderful words. I know, you both, really mean it. I love you both. I will be back to visit you both soon. My heartfelt, love, xx
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