All Obituaries

The angel chorus in heaven got a little bit louder and a little more joyful as John Gernaat, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, joined their ranks. He passed away peacefully on Sunday afternoon, October 15, 2023, in the comfort of his home. He was surrounded by his loving family. The magnificent flower gardens his wife so lovingly tended over the years, the maple trees in their full fall splendor, the rolling hills and cornfields — all created an idyllic setting for his passing.

John was born on September 15, 1939 in McBain to Herman and Minnie (Borgman) Gernaat. He was married to Karen (Laughlin) Gernaat in 1961. He attended Davenport College in Lansing and Grand Rapids studying business accounting. John’s first jobs were in sales, first for the Falmouth Co-ops and later for Jenema Farm Equipment. He went on to become an agricultural loan officer and Vice President at Chemical Bank, overseeing agricultural lending across the state. In 1991, John was elected to the Michigan House of Representatives where he served until 1999. After leaving elected office, John spent multiple years on the Chemical Bank Board. A farmer at heart, John was also farming “on the side” throughout his entire life. He proudly rounded out his career working with his family on their dairy farm where he was active up to the very end.

John is survived by his wife and best friend of 62 years Karen (Laughlin) Gernaat of McBain; children Brad (Lori) Gernaat of McBain, Kenda (Phil) Gilde of McBain, Randy Gernaat of New York, and Gregg Gernaat of McBain; siblings Karen (Tom) Mentel; in-laws Sharon Gernaat of McBain, Dale Alferink of Grandville, Kathy Gernaat of McBain, Daryle (Louise) Laughlin of Marion, and Carol Niver of Marion; 5 surviving grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.

Family who have gone before include his parents Herman and Minnie Gernaat; parents-in-law George and Marjorie Laughlin; siblings Bud Gernaat, Jay Gernaat, Gladys Alferink, and Gerry Gernaat; in-law Don Niver; and grandson Justin Gernaat.

John’s smiling face let you immediately know he was a kind, generous, and caring man. His passion was helping people, he never knew a stranger. An optimist by nature, John was always ready with a word of encouragement and a show of support. His optimism cup was always (at least) half full.

John loved spending time with his family and was active in his church and community. He was a beloved mentor and friend to countless people. He will be greatly missed. The family is grateful for the time they were able to spend with him and will carry his torch forward, fueled by the love he showed them and the many wonderful memories they were fortunate enough to have created with him. He lives on in their hearts.

John, Dad, Grandpa, Great Grandpa, we love you!

A celebration of John’s life will be held at Resurrection Life Church in Cadillac. Visitation hours will be at the church on October 20, 2023 from 4:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. and one hour prior to the services at the church. The service will be held on Saturday, October 21, 2023 at 11:00 A.M. The family invites everyone to join them for a luncheon at the church after the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Hospice of Michigan, Resurrection Life Church or Samaritan’s Purse . Online condolences may be left at www.burkholderfunerals.com