Gerald M. Piaskowski

Dr. Gerald M. ?Jerry? Piaskowski, 63, of St. Joseph, passed away Monday, July 26, 2004, at his home. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1:00 P.M. Thursday at St. Bernard?s Catholic Church, 555 Delaware, Benton Harbor, with Fr. Bill Jacobs officiating. Burial will follow at North Shore Memory Gardens. Friends may call from 5-8 P.M. Wednesday at Kerley-Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph with prayers recited at 7: 30 P.M. Memorials may be made to Hospice at Home or Lake Michigan Catholic Schools. Those wishing to share a memory or sign the guest book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Dr. Piaskowski was born November 17, 1940 in Detroit to Mark & Stephanie Piaskowski. On June 20, 1964, he married the former Carolyn Pifer in Commerce, Michigan. Jerry graduated from the Illinois College of Optometry in 1966. He served his country in the US Army from 1966-1968 during the Vietnam War. Dr. Piaskowski moved to the twin cities area in 1968 and opened his optometry practice, which is now located on Niles Road in St. Joseph. Jerry was a member of St. John-St. Bernard Parish, Berrien Hills Country Club and a former member of the Benton Harbor Exchange Club. Jerry loved golfing, and tending to his lawn and landscaping at home. Jerry is survived by his wife Carolyn; his daughter Lisa (Joseph) Braden of Lafayette, IN; two sons-Michael Piaskowski of St. Joseph; Matt Piaskowski of St. Joseph; four grandchildren-Tanner, Connor, McKenzie Braden & Sadie Piaskowski; one brother-Robert (Norma) Piaskowski of Commerce, MI; brother-in-law-Richard (Linda) Pifer of Bloomfield Hills, MI; sister-in-law-Judy (Jim) Calvert of Highland, MI; many nieces & nephews; and many wonderful dear friends.