Gerald J. Gervais, 98, died Nov. 24, 2011, in Portola.
He was born Oct. 15, 1913, in Ashland, Wis.
Gerry married his childhood sweetheart, Agnes Elizabeth Kurzewski, of Wakefield, Mich., in that town Oct. 21, 1939.
Gerry began his railroad career in Ashland, Wis., for the Chicago and Northwestern Railroad in 1934 and moved to Elko, Nev., as a brakeman for the Western Pacific Railroad in June 1943. He was promoted to conductor in August 1951. After a total of 42 years he retired April 25, 1976. During his career with the railroad, he survived three train wrecks.
Gerry was drafted into the Navy in September 1943 and trained at the Great Lakes Naval Training Station. He had basic engineering school at Great Lakes, followed by refrigeration school at Syracuse, N.Y. After schooling he went to Portland, Ore., where they put the attack transport USS Alpine into commission.
Her first action was at Guam, followed by action at Luzon and Okinawa. When the war ended, her crew had earned the American Area Ribbon, Asiatic/Pacific ribbons, four bronze stars, Philippine Liberation ribbon with two bronze stars and World War II Victory Medal.
Gerry was honorably discharged from the Navy in November 1945 as a second class machinist mate. His railroad career and naval career were both very exceptional times in his life.
He lived in Portola starting in 1946, served on the City Council and was mayor; he was also active in community and organizations. He was a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion. He was also active in the Catholic Church, training altar servers for years. He was a valued member of the church and community.
Gerry is survived by his wife, Agnes Elizabeth Gervais, with whom he recently celebrated his 72nd wedding anniversary. He is also survived by many godchildren, whom he guided in their faith with God for their entire life.
Funeral/memorial services were held at Holy Family Catholic Church in Portola Saturday, Dec. 3.
Memorial donations may be made to the Holy Family Catholic Church building fund or a favorite charity.
What first struck me is his hire-out date on the C&NW. 1934. I knew a handful of guys, really just a very few, who hired out before the Depression hit and then spent years being furloughed or working very little. I'm very surprised to see anyone hired out on the railroad in 1934.
I'm going to "do" his "chart". With so many stories and all about the man, his chart will sure to bear all this out. He sounds like the "most interesting" man.
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If you are in a horror movie, you make bad decisions, its what you do.
I'm going to "do" his "chart". With so many stories and all about the man, his chart will sure to bear all this out. He sounds like the "most interesting" man.
