Gearl Kirkdorfer, 84
Sept. 16, 1927 — Dec. 18, 2011

Gearl Dean “Jerry” (Trussell) Kirkdorfer, 84, of Edwardsburg, died Sunday, Dec. 18, 2011, at her residence.

She was born Sept. 16, 1927, in Elkhart, Ind., to Charles and Eva (Wyburn) Trussell.

Jerry was a former telephone operator, a rural sub mail carrier, and field measurer for ASC. She served for 13 years on the Jefferson Township Planning Commission, including as chairman and secretary as well as two terms as president of the PTA of Edwardsburg. She was active in farming with her husband.

She married Duane Paul Kirkdorfer in Niles on March 31, 1945. He preceded her in death on April 8, 2009. She was also preceded one son, Keith Duane Kirkdorfer, on May 9, 2008, and son-in-law, Chuck Starkweather, on March 14, 2009.

Kirkdorfer is survived by one daughter, Linda L. Starkweather of Woodlands, Texas; one daughter-in-law, Cynthia Kirkdorfer of Edwardsburg; five grandchildren, Michelle Jensen, Laura (Brian) Kempf, C.T. (Julie) Starkweather, Brooke Krupp and Cameron (Karla) Mendenhall; 12 great-grandchildren, Drew Jones, Isaiah Cook, Micah Cook, Elijah Cook, Elaine Cook, Todd Starkweather, Kody Starkweather, Amber Starkweather, Derek Starkweather, Nathan Krupp, Cole Krupp and Dylan Mendenhall; seven nieces and nephews; and one sister, Judy Gladbach of Kansas City, Mo.

The family is especially appreciative for Jerry’s caregivers: Evelyn, Izzy, Kathy, Chelsea, Deb and Jeanie.

Family and friends will gather Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2011, from 4 until 8 p.m. at Connelly Chapel Wagner Family Funerals, 202 North Broadway St., Cassopolis.

Funeral services will be Thursday, Dec. 22, at 11 a.m. at the funeral home with the Rev. Vic Downing, hospice chaplain, officiating.
Jerry will be laid to rest between her husband, Duane Paul Kirkdorfer, and her son, Keith Duane Kirkdorfer, in Reames and Norton Cemetery, Cassopolis.

The family prefers memorial contributions to Hospice at Home, 4025 Health Park Lane, St. Joseph, MI 49085.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Connelly Chapel, Wagner Family Funerals, Cassopolis.

Online condolences may be sent to wagnercares.com.