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Shirley Gerpheide

April 27, 2020
Kalamazoo, MI

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Gerpheide, Shirley Anderson Age 94, passed away peacefully from natural causes on Monday April 27, 2020, at the residence of her son George E. Gerpheide. A long time resident of Kalamazoo Michigan, she was born in Havre Montana on 1 June 1925 to John W. and Agatha (Dietz) Anderson and attended Havre schools. Receiving her degree in Microbiology from the University of Minnesota in 1948, Shirley moved to Kalamazoo for employment by the Upjohn Company to determine the effectiveness of potential drugs for treating influenza and other infectious diseases. Taking leave to raise small children, she served as a member of Service Club, transcribed manuscripts into Braille, and volunteered at Pretty Lake among other organizations. Shirley encouraged her young children to explore science through early exposure to chemistry, geology, and astronomy. She encouraged hard work and a business mindset by suggesting they take on one of the Kalamazoo Gazette's largest newspaper delivery routes. Returning from leave in the 1960's, Shirley investigated pharmaceuticals for cancer prevention. While employed at Upjohn she co-authored dozens of research papers published in technical journals before retirement in 1988. Shirley enjoyed camping with her family, visiting numerous state and national parks in the Midwest and Mountain states. She loved growing vegetables in her garden and was always on the forefront of new ideas – she started seedlings under artificial lighting, preserved the freshness by quick freezing with liquid nitrogen, and harvested mid-winter carrots and parsnips protected by straw and snow. An early adopter of technology, she advocated vitamin supplements and front-wheel drive cars in the mid 1960's. Shirley was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, George D. Gerpheide in 2017. Surviving are sister-in-law Joan C. Colgren of Kalamazoo; two sons, George E. Gerpheide (Y. Kay Hoyama) of Utah and John M. (Catherine E.) Gerpheide of Virginia; nine grandchildren, Dionna M. (John P.) Guider of Minnesota, Christine M. Gerpheide (Tom Nijhuis) of Japan, G. Douglas (Stephanie R.) Gerpheide of Texas, John R. Gerpheide (Allie Johnson) of Minnesota, Aya L. Gerpheide (Micah Silver) of California, Taylor M. Gerpheide of Virginia, Sara S. Gerpheide of Virginia, Henry H. Gerpheide of Utah, and Johan H. Gerpheide of Utah; and four great-grandchildren Noah, Hana, Emi and Kazu. A memorial gathering is planned for the afternoon of Sat. Aug. 1, 2020 at the Kalamazoo First Presbyterian Church. Due to uncertainty of these times, please confirm the schedule before attending.