Gerry Gearing

"Gerry" Gerald Edward Gearing, 09/12/1920-11/24/2011.  He was born in Black River Falls, Wisconsin.  Joined the Army Air Force, honorably discharged and attended University of Wisconsin on the GI Bill.  In 1949 he graduated with honors in 3.5 years, and started working for the Trackson Company in Milwaukee, WI.  Trackson was acquired by Caterpillar Tractor CO and Gerry worked for Caterpillar in Mossville, IL, Peoria, IL, Mentor, Ohio and retired from Caterpillar's Peoria, IL General HQ in 1980.

Gerry married June Ann Bechmann in 1942.  June and Gerry were married almost 60 years before her death in 2002. Survivors include son Kurt Gearing( Helen) and daughter Julie Gearing( John Martin), 4 grandchildren, Jennifer Balma ( John), Dr. Eric Gearing ( Tara Dickherber), Tori Selznick (Charles Krise) and Derek Selznick ( Erin Herbert), 2 Step-grandchildren Jason Kruse (Angelina Childers) & Reggie Kruse, plus 7 great grandchildren.  Gerry was the oldest of 7 children of Elizabeth and Rolland Gearing; all siblings survive along with many nieces and nephews.

He retired to Cape Coral, FL in 1980. Gerry was active in Cape Coral Crime & Canal Watch programs and Republican Party. He enjoyed fishing, boating and golfing with his buddies. He also was an avid reader, enjoyed current events and was very active in his church.

He will be remembered for all the great stories and tall tales he told to friends and family. He will also be remembered by his kind words and hugs he gave this family and friends.

Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, Dec 17, 2 PM at Jehovah’s Kingdom Hall,

701 Hutto Rd North Fort Myers

. Open house at 3:00 PM will follow at Kurt and Helen Gearing's home, 2033 SE 27th Terrace, Cape Coral, FL 33904.

In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to the National Audubon Society, www.audubon.org.