Milan Gerich

Milan Charles Gerich came into this world with some obstacles to overcome. Not only did he overcome them, he went on to create a wonderful life full of family, friends and good times. He served his country, traveled around the US and the world and made lasting impressions on all that knew him. Whatever he did, he did it with zest and joy. All of those who met him loved him, and those who already loved him grew to love him more.

Milan was born in Detroit, MI on April 2, 1927 to Emil and Mary (Shonta)Gerich. The young couple welcomed their first of three children with joy. The year 1927 proved to be a banner year in history: Charles Lindbergh landed to cheers in Paris when he completed the first transatlantic flight, the first transatlantic phone calls were made from New York to London and television was demonstrated for the first time.

Milan’s childhood was a hard-scramble existence. He learned to be street smart at a young age and knew that everything he earned would be from his own hard work. When he was just 16-years-old his mother passed away. He became very close to his Aunt Rose after that time. However, he dropped out of school in the tenth grade to join the Navy—even fibbing about his age to get in!

During WWII, Milan was proud to serve his country in the Pacific theater during WWII. As a “Seabee” he was responsible for construction of bridges, airfields and more.

When the war ended, he traveled home to Detroit and took a job as a salesman for a used car dealership. In 1957 he worked for Russ Dawson Dealership as a new car salesman and later went to work for Bielfield Ford in 1960 for a number of years.

It was in 1966 when Milan built his own home in West Bloomfield, while he worked for the Flannery Ford dealership in Waterford, MI—doing so well he worked his way up to a partnership. Never one to stay still, he went to work for McDonald Leasing in 1982 and then took a job with Don Foss at C.A.C. Corp. where he was the financial director. Milan was extremely successful at this job and liked it the best because of the people he worked with and the way it challenged him. When Milan retired in 1997 he never considered not working. He joined his two sons Mark and Matt with their landscaping business and handled the detail jobs that the two did not have time to address. Going into Home Depot and saving the boys money was something he loved to do. Milan was dynamic and people loved to see him coming. You could count on a great conversation and lots of pride about his family. His people skills and great business mind made a lasting impression on all whom he met. He would bring treats to the nurses where he was recieving treatment. The nurses and doctors said they really liked Milan.

Although Milan was social he was also laid back. A summer day on his sailboat brought him a lot of joy. Mark remembers great times of going to the lake house and his dad playing around with him and Matt in the water.

Some of the most cherished memories for Milan were the times he went to family parties: birthdays, Christmas and get-togethers. Nothing pleased him more than spending time with his sons and granddaughters. He loved his sister Joyce and brother George and made sure to keep in touch weekly with them. Milan was also an avid sports fan and got tremendous pride out of watching his granddaughters play basketball and ride horses. Milan was extremely happy for the last seven years because he found the love of his life Ellen. They enjoyed the time they shared together like going to dinner and a movie. He also enjoyed reading current events, suspence novels and fiction books. Milan would love to play the lottery and dreamt about hitting the big one. He enjoyed life to the fullest!

Milan was a great soldier, father, brother and friend. He will be truly missed.

Milan Charles Gerich passed away on January 21, 2004. He is preceded in death by a daughter, Linda Hennings and a brother, George Gerich. Milan is survived by his children Scott Gerich of Florida, Mark (Lorraine) Gerich of W. Bloomfield and Matthew (Debra) Gerich of Novi. Also, granddaughters, Casey Hennings, Jaclyn Gerich, Brittany Gerich, Diana Gerich and Morgan Gerich, grandson Mitchell Hennings and sister, Joyce Gerich of Virginia. He leaves his dear companion, Ellen Must. Visitation will be held on Friday from 2-4 P.M. and 6-9 P.M. at the McCabe Funeral Home, 31950 W. 12 Mile Rd. Farmington Hills, MI.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday at 9:30 A.M. from the McCabe Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the leukemia and lymphoma society. To read Milan’s complete life story, share a memory or make a memorial, please visit his personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com.

One of Milan’s favorite singers may have said it best:

I’ve lived a life that’s full, I’ve traveled each and every highway.But more, much more than this, I did it my way.

Frank Sinatra- My Way