Gerald Michael ‘Mike’ Kanerva

Mike was born April 25, 1940 in Ishpeming, Mich. the son of Leo and Paula (Heikkila) Kanerva. He attended Rock area schools.

Mike spent many years working on the family farm. He eventually moved downstate and became a plumber pipefitter with the Local Union 111. He was musically gifted and loved playing his guitar. You could find him enjoying and spending time out in his sawmill. He also liked to take saunas and particularly adored his grandchildren.

Mike was a member of Rock Bible Chapel for over 40 years.

On November 13, 1976, Mike was united in marriage to Virgie Komisar and together they spent 48 loving years.

In addition to his loving wife, Virgie, he is survived by: sons, Michael (Kelly), Jerry (Barb), Bobby (Terri), Brad (Penny), Eric (Jill) and daughter, Diana “Dee Dee”; grandkids, Brandy, Brittany, Melanie, Jessica, Ryan, Bobby Jr., Aaron, Kristi, Lexi, Angela, Bradley Jr., Andria, Megan, Preston, Emily, Brienna, Kandy, Maranda, Warren Jr., Varonica and Audra.

In addition, 48 great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; sisters, Toni Rentola, Lynn Kanerva, Christine (Phillip) Croasdell; and several nieces and nephews.

Mike is preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Tom and David, sister, Bonnie Mattson and grandson, Eric Thompson Jr., nephew Davey Kanerva, mother-in- law, Granny, and four great-grandbabies.

A special thank you to Kelly, Bobbie, Toni Marie and Brienna for their never ending help, loyalty and love. Also thank you to the OSF Hospice Team.

Family will receive friends on Saturday, April 26 from noon until 2 p.m. at the Rock Bible Chapel in Rock. Funeral services will follow at 2 p.m. with Pastor Mike Lepisto officiating. A luncheon will follow in the church hall and burial will take place in Rock Cemetery. To offer an online message of sympathy please visit www.skradskifuneralhomes.com.