Kristine A. Gerard, age 56, of 416 North Bluff Drive, Gladstone, passed away following a lengthy and courageous battle with cancer on Wednesday, June 21, 2006 at her home. She knew Jesus Christ as her personal savior and has now left her earthly home for her eternal heavenly home. Kristine was born January 18, 1950 in Escanaba the daughter of Harry and Margit (Sigg) Erickson. She was raised in Gladstone and was a resident most of her life. She attended the Buckeye School and was a 1968 graduate of Gladstone High School. Following high school Kristine attended Northern Michigan University where she received her Bachelor's Degree. She was united in marriage to Paul Gerard on August 26, 1972 at the Evangelical Free Church in Gladstone. Kristine was a dedicated member of the Grace Baptist Church in Gladstone and was the church secretary for the past few years. She has brought happiness and positiveness into everyone's life. She was an inspiration and example, with her love, kindness, and strength, which have touched our hearts dearly and will always be in our hearts forever. She home schooled her daughter from grade 3 through grade 5. She enjoyed playing the organ and piano, cross stitch, knitting, crocheting, stained glass and spending time with her granddaughter.

In addition to her husband Paul, survivors include:

One daughter, Rachel (Steve) Barnhart of Hancock, MI

One granddaughter, Ella Grace Barnhart

Her mother, Margit Erickson of Escanaba

Three brothers: Harry (Susan) Erickson of Marquette, Gerald (Rita) Erickson of Rapid River, Larry (Theresa) Erickson of Gladstone

Close friends: Jeremy and Laurie Hauswirth and their daughters, Lillian and Lyneha of Rock

Three aunts: Erna (Jack) Sigan of Stonington, Erma Vietzke of Stonington, and Marie Harper of Rockford, IL

Numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father in 2001.

Kristine's family will receive friends on Sunday from 3:00 to 6:00 at the Grace Baptist Church. Funeral services celebrating the life of Kristine will follow at 6:00 PM at the Grace Baptist Church with Pastor Steve Patrick officiating. A luncheon will follow services at the church. Interment will be Monday, June 26 at 11:00 AM at the Evergreen Cemetery in L'Anse, MI. Memorial contributions may be made in Kristine's name to the Hope Lodge, 611 West Doege Street, Marshfield, WI 54449. Hope Lodge is operated by the American Cancer Society; it provides a place to stay at no cost while receiving treatment for cancer, and Kris stayed there about 98 days while receiving treatment at Marshfield Clinic. Envelopes may be picked up at the Skradski-Boyce Family Funeral Homes or Grace Baptist Church.