Olga Gerdel

Olga Gerdel, 102, of Jackson, formerly of Benton Harbor, passed away on Saturday, September 14, 2019, at home. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Wednesday, September 18, 2019, at 11AM, at Crystal Springs Church of God, 1465 Pipestone Rd., Benton Harbor, with Pastor Bill Bridgman officiating. Burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family on Tuesday, September 17, 2019, from 5PM until 7PM, at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. Memorial contributions may be made to Crystal Springs Church of God. Olga was born on January 13, 1917, to Adolph & Bertha (Schott) Bettig in Benton Harbor. Growing up she worked on her family’s farm before she married Phillip Gerdel on April 4, 1942, at St. Joseph Church of God. Olga was a very independent and loving lady. She was a member for over 60 years at Crystal Springs Church of God where she served for the church’s WCG. She enjoyed going on road trips and traveling to Canada and Florida to visit relatives. Most of all, Olga loved to spend her time with her family, especially her grandchildren. Olga is survived by her children, Shirley (Donald) Cochrane of Coloma and Larry (Sandi) Gerdel of Jackson; grandchildren, Paula Katowich, Lori Katowich, Ted (Paula) McDonald, Jonathan McDonald and Jeremy (Angela) McDonald; nine great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson; and sister Melinda Sommers. Olga was preceded in death by her husband Phillip Gerdel; parents Adolph & Bertha Bettig; and siblings Elsie Wesner and Henry Bettig.