Merlin Joe Gerretson

Merlin "Joe " GerretsonMerlin "Joe" Gerretson, 90, of Rockford, IL died peacefully at Park Stratford Nursing Home on Thursday, May 20, 2010 at 10:50 a.m.He was born in Waupun, Wisconsin on January 17, 1920 and graduated from Waupun High School. He received his B.S. and M.S. degrees from the University of Wisconsin at Madison.In 1942 he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in the Army Intelligence Unit during World War II. In 1948 he was united in marriage to Genevieve Bennett.Joe enjoyed sports particularly golf and basketball. He was an ardent fan of Big Ten Basketball Events. He was a member of the Belvidere Lions Club and served as club president. Joe enjoyed music and was a member and past president of the Top of The Town Dance Club and a past member of the Cotillion Dance Group. He and his wife were members of the Beloit Country Club, Bel-Mar Country Club and Mauh-Nah-Tee-See Country Club.Joe was a member of the Westminster Presbyterian Church for over 50 years and served a term as a Deacon.Joe enjoyed working with students during his tenured 26 years of teaching. He taught Science, Biology and Chemistry at Lincoln Junior High School and at Lincoln Middle School. Joe and Gen enjoyed traveling and visited many countries in Europe and traveled to Australia, Hawaii and Alaska.Joe is survived by his wife Genevieve.A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, June 7, 2010 at the Westminster Presbyterian Church, 2821 Bell School with Rev. Dr. David Smazik officiating. A visitation will be held at 10:30 a.m. prior to the service.In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Westminster Presbyterian Church or Family Health Services, Centered Hospice.Arrangements by Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory Mulford Chapel.