John Gerlofs

John Lee Gerlofs, 93 of Portage, passed away at home on Wednesday, April 9, 2025. He was born on May 29, 1931, in Kalamazoo, the son of Peter and Grace Gerlofs.

John was a 1949 graduate of Kalamazoo Central High School. He worked 2 years at Sutherland Paper Co. as a printer until he was inducted on Dec. 7, 1951. Dutifully served in the United States Marine Corps 1/1, in a variety of capacities including as a private on the front lines in Korea, he rose to the rank of Corporal and earned the Korean Service Medal, United Nations Medal, National Defense Medal and the Purple Heart for injuries sustained during active duty before his honorable discharge in Dec. 1953.

John married the former Phyllis Hartle on October 8, 1982 and they shared over 42 years together. John retired in 1993 from Merchants Publishing as a printing specialist working press, matchprints, and color corrections to name a few of his specialties. He had a well-developed passion for photography and was thrilled with taking the perfect shot. He enjoyed playing in the city baseball leagues, golf, tennis riding bikes and watching sports. John had a very special relationship with his granddaughter Kim as they enjoyed weekly time together bike riding, sports and many adventures to local sites. John and Phyllis enjoyed their time together traveling west to see family, north to Crystal Lake golfing and bike riding the Kal Haven trail to the ice cream shop.

John is survived by his wife Phyllis, children Sharon and Steven (Maureen), granddaughters Shana and Sophie, a close extended step-family Teri Jo (Dave) and Cheryl, grandchildren Kim (Reetesh), Chris, Eric (Jennifer) and their families. He was preceded in death by his parents Peter and Grace, and his sisters Barbara and Cecilia.

John will rest at Mt. Ever Rest Memorial Park – South on Saturday, April 19 with military honors and bugle taps at the gravesite at 3 PM. Friends may visit with John's family one hour prior to the military honors in the chapel at Mt. Ever Rest.

In lieu of donations please say thank you to someone that has served our great country. Fly your United States Flag with pride.

Please visit John's memorial webpage to share condolences and memories with his family at https://www.Langelands.com