“He left our side but will always be in our hearts.”

Mike was predeceased by his Daughter: Carol and Siblings: Stephanie, Nick and Ted. Lovingly missed by wife Exilda (Della) Allen, (Ed & Dana), daughter and family; Betty (Phil) Russell, [Mike Russell -Cody and Rosemary; Lea (Andy) Lange – Julie and Aric]. Daughters: Kathy and Michelle; Son Kim. Mike was the eldest of the Gerela family leaving behind; Pauline, Edith, Diane, Danny, Metro and Roy. There were special cousins, step families & friends he met along the way during his 93 years on this earth. He touched the lives of so many and will be deeply missed by all who knew his kind soul. No service by request. Cards, memories, and condolences, please contact Stubberfield Funeral Home or Betty Russell.

Not sure what to say… I know…me lost for words.  …. true Oxymoron….   Thanks for all the support, love and condolences. 

My dad touched lots of people. Loving, kind..& so very social…always ready with the smiles & those big bear hugs…  

He was so fed-up with his health issues….  and then Covid isolated his last days in hospital…Said he felt like he was in jail. So very ready to go…  He was an amazingly strong fighter and was down for the count several times during his 93 years. He always bounced back…..energized & new routines. This time…he was done having to fight.

He said his goodbyes the best he could…he took Della out in the Big Red 3 days before he went into hospital and told her it was the last ride.  Della hugged & kissed him goodbye in the morning and I was there at the last.

                         Loved that man so much … 

              He will be missed and that void will be hard to fill.

          R.I.P.    Mike Gerela … Dec.16,1928 ~ May 2, 2022 

No service is planned… a small gathering may happen at a later time.

.”….if you didn’t see or talk to me when I was here….then I don’t want you blubbering over me when I’m gone…”

I encourage anyone who knew my dad.. Mike Gerela.. to send their story, favorite memory,  picture or just a note. ..whatever to me..&  it will be passed on at the family gathering.  Thank you