Gerhardt Christian Becker, 91, Former music director at St. John’s
Gerhardt Christian Becker, 91, of Coralville, Iowa, died Saturday, Aug. 23, 2008, at Mercy Hospital in Iowa City.
Becker was a teacher and director of music for more than 60 years, having received his bachelor’s degree from Concordia University and his master’s of music from Northwestern University. He served congregations in the Bronx, N.Y., Chicago and St. John’s Lutheran Church in Forest Park. In 2002 he and his wife, Margaret, moved to Iowa City where they were members of Zion Lutheran Church.
Becker is survived by his five children, Beth Lowe, Catherine Lane, Chris Becker, Rick Becker and Carolyn Otte; 12 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.
He survived his wife, a grandchild and 12 siblings.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, Sept. 13 at 10 a.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Forest Park with burial at Concordia Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 12 in Forest Park. Memorials may be directed to the Gerhardt and Margaret Becker Education Fund, or the Music Fund at St. John’s Lutheran Church.
Arrangements are under the direction of Zimmerman-Harnett Funeral Home, 7319 Madison St., Forest Park.
Mary A. Giertz, 92, Oak Park resident
Mary A. Giertz (Yakush), 92, has died. She was a resident of Oak Park.
Giertz is survived by her children, John A., Mary Ann Olin, Richard L. and Kathryn Nirde; five grandchildren, Linda Olin Walsh, William Olin, Michelle Nirde, Adrienne Nirde and Aaron Giertz.
She survived her husband, John.
Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Zimmerman-Harnett Funeral Home, 7319 Madison St. Interment is at Concordia Cemetery.
Memorial donations to Advocate Hospice c/o Dawn Doe, 1441 Branding Ave., Suite 200, Downers Grove, Ill., 60515, are appreciated.
