Manfred Helmut “Fred” Gerstenkorn
April 20th, 1952 - April 17th, 2024
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Fred's Obituary
Manfred “Fred” Helmut Gerstenkorn, 71, of St. Joseph, MI, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday – April 17, 2024 in his home. Arrangements have been entrusted to Starks & Menchinger Chapel – 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, MI.
Fred was born on April 20, 1952 in Hersbruck, Germany to the late Helmut and Theresia (Schaller) Gerstenkorn. He immigrated to the U.S. in 1954, and settled in St. Joseph, MI. On September 24, 1977 he married the love of his life Teresa Masterson. Fred owned and operated Recordodeon during the 1970’s in downtown St. Joseph. He continued his career in carpentry and eventually started his business MG Trim, where he did Finish Carpentry for over 30 years. He mentored and worked alongside his son for over 20 years. After retiring, Fred enjoyed being outside and working in his garden and taking his grandson, Jack, on tractor rides. He was an avid University of Michigan and Detroit Lion fan. Fred also had a genuine love for animals, but most of all he loved spending time with his family.
Fred is survived by his beloved wife Teresa; two of his three children – Jason (Fiancee Zoe) Gerstenkorn of Coloma, MI, and Juliann (Corey) Gerstenkorn of Chicago, IL; grandchildren – Anyla, Jack and Silas; brother – Erhard (Jacqui) Gerstenkorn of FL; sister – Heidi (Gary) Splese of St. Joseph, MI; and several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents; daughter – Jennifer Gerstenkorn in 2021; infant sister – Doris Gerstenkorn; brother-in-law Kenny Carr; and parent-in-laws Jim and Teruko Masterson.
Visitation with the family is on Tuesday – April 23, from 5:00-8:00pm at Starks & Menchinger Chapel. A Celebration of Life Service is on Wednesday, April 24, 10:00am, at the funeral home, with Pastor Jesse Knox officiating. Burial will follow at Hickory Bluff Cemetery in Stevensville. Memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society.
Fred was born on April 20, 1952 in Hersbruck, Germany to the late Helmut and Theresia (Schaller) Gerstenkorn. He immigrated to the U.S. in 1954, and settled in St. Joseph, MI. On September 24, 1977 he married the love of his life Teresa Masterson. Fred owned and operated Recordodeon during the 1970’s in downtown St. Joseph. He continued his career in carpentry and eventually started his business MG Trim, where he did Finish Carpentry for over 30 years. He mentored and worked alongside his son for over 20 years. After retiring, Fred enjoyed being outside and working in his garden and taking his grandson, Jack, on tractor rides. He was an avid University of Michigan and Detroit Lion fan. Fred also had a genuine love for animals, but most of all he loved spending time with his family.
Fred is survived by his beloved wife Teresa; two of his three children – Jason (Fiancee Zoe) Gerstenkorn of Coloma, MI, and Juliann (Corey) Gerstenkorn of Chicago, IL; grandchildren – Anyla, Jack and Silas; brother – Erhard (Jacqui) Gerstenkorn of FL; sister – Heidi (Gary) Splese of St. Joseph, MI; and several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents; daughter – Jennifer Gerstenkorn in 2021; infant sister – Doris Gerstenkorn; brother-in-law Kenny Carr; and parent-in-laws Jim and Teruko Masterson.
Visitation with the family is on Tuesday – April 23, from 5:00-8:00pm at Starks & Menchinger Chapel. A Celebration of Life Service is on Wednesday, April 24, 10:00am, at the funeral home, with Pastor Jesse Knox officiating. Burial will follow at Hickory Bluff Cemetery in Stevensville. Memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society.
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