Leonard (Bud) Hall Gerow, Jr.

Leonard Hall Gerow Jr., 97, passed away peacefully on October 2, 2022, after a short illness. He was born April 9, 1925, in Temperance, Michigan to the late Leonard and Alma Gerow. On June 10, 1951, Leonard married Charlene A. Johnson at the home of her parents in Chicago, Illinois. They celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary in June 2021 and enjoyed many, many, happy years together. Leonard was preceded in death by his wife, Charlene; his brother, William; and his parents, Leonard Sr. and Alma Gerow. He is survived by his three children, Linda Gerow of Kingsley, MI; Jeffrey Gerow (Ann) of Alpena, MI; and Nancy Gerow Hoffman of Bloomingburg, NY; his six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him. Described as a true gentleman, he will always be admired for his strength of character, dedication to family, positive approach to life, and for his patriotism. Leonard proudly served in the U.S. Army during World War II 1944-1946 with the famed Merrill's Marauder’s unit behind enemy lines in Burma. He was severely wounded, survived his injuries to be discharged in February 1946, and was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation, the Combat Infantry Badge, the Purple Heart, the Silver Star, and the Bronze Star all for valor. After his military service, Leonard attended Michigan State University, graduating with a degree in chemical engineering. He worked in a variety of food industry positions ending his career as Vice-President of Operations at Chef Pierre/Sara Lee in Traverse City, Michigan. He and Charlene retired to Florida in 1984. Leonard was active, athletic, and keen-minded in his working and leisure pursuits. Golf was a lifetime passion for Leonard starting as a young boy at the age of 8 and he continued to play to the age of 97. Leonard achieved ten hole-in-ones and shot a score of his age or under more than 1400 times during his lifetime of playing golf. Military honors and farewell service to be held on Monday, December 5, 2022, at 1:00pm, at Sarasota National Cemetery, 9810 State Road 72, Sarasota, FL. 34241. The family would like to thank the caring staff of Doctors Hospital of Sarasota and his friends and neighbors at Jacaranda Trace, Venice for their kindness and support. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Southwest Florida Honor Flight at swflhonorflight.org.

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Leonard (Bud) Hall Gerow, Jr.

April 9, 1925 - October 2, 2022