George "Jerry" C. Rouse

George "Jerry" C. Rouse, age 86 of South Haven, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, October 31, 2006 after a prolonged illness. Jerry was born May 24, 1920 in Harvey, Illinois to George and Mae (Krejci) Rouse. He was raised in Chicago and the family spent many happy vacations in Elkhorn, Wisconsin. Jerry earned a bachelors degree from St. Mary's College in Winona, MN and served in the US Army during WW II. After his honorable discharge, he taught at a Christian Brothers High School and Boys Town. In 1951 he married Wendolyn Hermanek and they had two children; she preceded him in death in 1955. Several years later, he met a widow with four children, Florence Gimbel, and on Jan. 14, 1961, the two families became one. This happy marriage produced a close union of 1 son and 5 daughters, which would grow to include a daughter-in-law and sons-in law. In his younger years, Jerry played clarinet and alto sax in a jazz band and he maintained his love of music all his life. He enjoyed puttering around the house and enjoyed various hobbies such as furniture refinishing, candle making, and yard work. He enjoyed traveling, first with the family on numerous camping trips, and in later years Jerry and Florence took all their grandchildren on trips and traveled around the country, including a trip to Europe. Jerry's Catholic faith was always an important aspect of his life and he endeavored to instill love of God in his family. In 2001, Jerry and Florence moved from Illinois to South Haven where they joined St. Basil Church. Surviving are his wife, Florence (Botte) Rouse; 5 children, Don (Terry) Gimbel of Elmhurst, IL, Laura Maddox of Santa Rosa, CA, Kathie (Ron) McGlaughlin of Cabool, MO, Barb (Gian) Alleruzzo of St. Louis, MO, Lois (Tom) Greiffendorf of Grand Junction; a son-in-law, Al Brunke of Grand Junction; 16 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. Besides his first wife, he was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Robert; and a daughter, Mary Lou Brunke. The family will meet friends after 10:30 AM Saturday at St. Basil Church, South Haven with a rosary at 11:00 AM. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12 Noon Saturday with Fr. John Young celebrant. Interment will follow in Grand Junction Cemetery, Columbia Township. The family suggest memorials to South Haven Area Hospice or St. Cecilia Convent, 801 Dominican Drive, Nashville, TN 37228. Arrangements by Bangor Chapel, D. L. Miller Funeral Home. www.dlmillerfuneralhome.com

George "Jerry" C. Rouse

May 24, 1920 - October 31, 2006