George P. Gerth Jr. Obituary
George will be laid to rest at Ft. Custer National Cemetery on Friday, December 5, 2025, beginning at 11:00 AM, (please arrive in the cemetery assembly area at 10:45 AM). For those wishing to make a memorial contribution, donations may be made to Kairos Dwelling or Centrica Care Navigators. May he rest in eternal peace.
George P. Gerth Jr., born June 21, 1942, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, passed away on November 18, 2025, after a long and courageous battle with dementia. He was the son of George P. Gerth Sr. and Doris E. (Dekema) Gerth-Allgaier and grew up in the Kalamazoo area alongside his sister, Janice J. Abernathy, and his two brothers, Larry Allgaier of Portage, Michigan, and Kevin Allgaier (Malia) of Vicksburg, Michigan. He left home to join the United States Air Force, beginning a life marked by service, adventure, and travel.
George spent much of his childhood in Delton, Michigan, with his beloved grandparents, John and Frances Dekema. As a teenager, he found joy in roller skating and became known for the effortless way he glided and spun across the rink. Even decades later, he could lace up a pair of skates and move with the same natural grace.
Following his proud service in the Air Force, George built a successful career as a long-haul truck driver. Over the years, he worked for multiple companies and eventually founded his own business, GUTS—Gerth Unlimited Transport Service. With an easy smile and a welcoming nature, George never met a stranger; he was always ready to strike up a conversation with anyone he encountered.
After spending time on the West Coast, George returned to Kalamazoo, where he met his wife of 25 years, Jane A. Gerth. Together, they shared a life full of companionship, partnership, and mutual devotion.
George is survived by his three children, Rhonda K. Madala (John) of Brunswick, GA, George P. Gerth III (Sally) of Indianapolis, IN, Kimberly Strickland (Ralph) of Brunswick, GA. He is also survived by seven grandchildren as well as eight great-grandchildren who brought him immense joy.
George also leaves behind his cherished Boston Terriers, Tux and Sissy, his devoted companions throughout his years on the road. They were with him on countless journeys across the United States and were truly his loyal partners wherever he traveled.
