Albert "Al" R. Gerstbauer

Albert “Al” R. Gerstbauer, 88, of South Bend, passed away surrounded by his family at his home on Thursday, December 31, 2020.

Al was born January 15, 1932 in Mishawaka to the late J. Louis and Theckla (Schellinger) Gerstbauer. Al was a 1950 graduate of Central Catholic High School in South Bend and then attended South Bend College of Commerce for two years. He served his country in the US Army from 1952 – 1954.

Al married June M. Hagler in Anniston, Alabama on June 12, 1954. The couple always made their home in the South Bend/Mishawaka area.

Al retired from Mead Merchants in 1994. He was a lifetime member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Mishawaka. Al’s church was an important part of his life and his involvement there included choir, lector, eucharistic minister, funeral sacristan, parish council, school board and head of the athletic association. He was a member of Knights of Columbus #1878, St. Vincent DePaul Society, Serra Club and Cursillo. He also belonged to American Legion Post #303.

Al dearly loved his family and those surviving include his wife of over 66 years, June; six children, Ronald (Pam) Gerstbauer, Diane (Bruce) Chandler, James (Delaine) Gerstbauer, David (Beth) Gerstbauer, Donald Gerstbauer and Michael (Cindy) Gerstbauer; a sister-in-law, Margaret Gerstbauer; fifteen grandchildren; and three great grandchildren.

Al was preceded in death by three infant children, Mark, Chris and Gabe; four brothers, Fabian, Father James, Joseph and Richard Gerstbauer; and four sisters, Mildred Shamo, Collette Hornung, Angela Cressy and Regina McManus Resnik.

Visitation will be held from 3 – 6 pm on Sunday, January 3, in Goethals & Wells Funeral Home, 503 W. 3rd Street, Mishawaka.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 am on Monday, January 4, in St. Joseph Catholic Church, 225 S. Mill Street, Mishawaka, with Rev. Christopher Lapp officiating. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Mishawaka.

Face coverings are required at the funeral home and church.

Memorials are suggested to St. Joseph Church Capital Campaign or RiverBend Cancer Services.

PLEASE NOTE: Al's Funeral Mass may be viewed by accessing either of these links: facebook.com/saintjoemish/live OR https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wTBgNladxt0