Lavern "Grut" Gerrits

Lavern L. “Grut” Gerrits, age 91 of Combined Locks, WI passed away after a brief illness on May 31, 2022.  The youngest of 10 children, he was born to Martin and Odelia (Verhagen) Gerrits on December 26, 1930.  He married the love of his life, Mary Sengstock, on May 14, 1955 and they lovingly raised 5 daughters together.  Lavern served 2 years in the army and went on to become an electrician, working at the Kimberly paper mill for 43 years and retiring at the age of 62 as an electrical supervisor. 

Grut was known for his quick wit, his caring heart, and his involvement in his community and the church.  He enjoyed playing cards and cribbage (Carl, I’ll always up 50 cents), going camping with his family, bowling, golfing, and drinking a good whiskey old fashioned.  He loved woodworking and creating new arts and crafts projects with his wife, Mary.  Lavern and Mary were very involved in the Warming Shelter.  More than anything, though, he loved his family and spending as much time with them as he could. 

Lavern was preceded in death by his wife, Mary; his siblings, Lucy (Ray) Montonati, Alice (Bill) Jansen, Clarence (Millie) Gerrits, Marge (Lloyd) Schmitt, Cecelia (Martin) Van Beck, Martha (Ed) Janssen, Wilbert (Rosella) Gerrits, Betty Van Boxtel, and Joe Gerrits; his parents-in-law, Lulu and Harvey; his siblings-in-law, Gene Sengstock, Richard Sengstock, Shriley James, and Patricia Sengstock; and his son-in-law, Pat King. 

He is survived by his daughters, Debbie, Diana, Kathy (Mike), Karen (Scott), and Cheri; his grandchildren, Brenda, Katie, Dana, Brandon, Tanner, Neil, Max, and Janis; and 7 great-grandchildren.

A visitation will be held for Grut on Saturday, June 4 from 10 AM – 12 PM at St. Paul Catholic Parish, 410 Wallace St, Combined Locks, WI 54113 with a mass to follow at 12 PM.  Lavern will be laid to rest at St. Paul Catholic Cemetery in Combined Locks.  In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Lavern’s name to Pillars Warming Shelter in Appleton.