Karl A. Gersonde

Karl A. “Keg” Gersonde passed away after a brief illness on February 13th, 2007. Karl, known as Keg to most, was born on September 26th, 1909 and was a lifelong resident of St. Joseph. He married Dorothy M. Zich in August of 1937. They enjoyed 59 years of marriage and hosted many gatherings in their home. They loved to spend their summers with their family at their cottage on Cape Cod. Keg was a well known business man in the area. He, along with his brother, Erwin (Sparky) Gersonde, owned Gersonde’s Service Station, Gersonde’s Beer Store (now known as Rooster’s Party Store), and Gersonde Brothers Recreation Bowling Alley. Keg sold the alleys and retired in 1979. He later was inducted into the local Bowling Hall of Fame. He was a lifelong member of Trinity Lutheran Church and enjoyed singing in the church choir for many years. Keg was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers and two sisters, his wife Dorothy in 1997, a daughter Gail DiBartolo in 2005 and two sons-in-law Roger Peters and Ernest DiBartolo. Keg is survived by his sister Sylvia Matthews, a daughter Patricia (Mrs. Roger) Peters, a son Karl R. Gersonde, three granddaughters Karri (David) Byers, Kristine Gersonde and Rebecca Gersonde. He is also survived by two great-grandchildren Jacqueline and Stephen Byers, nieces, nephews and family friends. The visitation will be held Thursday from 6pm-8pm at Starks & Menchinger Funeral Home, St. Joseph. The memorial service is Friday at 11:30am at Starks & Menchinger. Memorials can be made to Trinity Lutheran Church, St. Joseph. Those wishing to share a memory or sign the guest book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.