Michael D. "Mike" Gerhart

Michael D. Gerhart       “beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend”

SHINGLEHOUSE, PA---Michael D. “Mike” Gerhart, 64, of Shinglehouse, passed away with his loving family by his side on Monday, July 3, 2017, at the Puget Sound Healthcare System, Seattle, Washington, after a long illness.

Born on August 7, 1952 in Sellersville, he was a son of Paul A. and Emma R. Buehrle Gerhart.  On December 15, 1990 in Rew, he married Margaret J. “Peg” Burkhouse, who survives.

Mike was a graduate of Quakertown High School, Class of 1970.  A U.S. Air Force veteran, Mike proudly served during the Vietnam War.

He was employed by the former Pure Carbon Company in Coudersport as a machinist for 27 years prior to retiring due to ill health.

Mike was a member of the Shinglehouse United Methodist Church.  He was a member and past master of Sharon Lodge #598 F. & A.M., Shinglehouse, where he was especially involved with the fish fry fundraiser, a member of the Coudersport Consistory, a member of the Potter Commandery #69 in Coudersport, a member of Royal Arch Chapter #227 in Port Allegany, a member of the McKean County Shrine Club in Bradford, a member of the Orak Grotto in Bradford, and a member of the Zem Zem Shrine in Erie.  He was a teacher for the school of instruction for the Masonic work.  He was also a member of the Shinglehouse American Legion Post #530 and a member of the Potter County Honor Guard.  He loved woodworking, and along with his father, rebuilt and remodeled his home.  In his younger years, he enjoyed playing softball and hunting.

Surviving besides his wife are two daughters, Karolyn (Victor) Lee of Rushville, Missouri and Patricia R. “Patty” Gerhart of Shinglehouse; a son, Michael D. (Sara) Gerhart, Jr. of Gower, Missouri; eight grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; ten siblings, Robert (Peg) Gerhart of Quakertown, Nancy Trumbauer of Ft. Meyers, FL, Albert “Butch” (Cathy Flook) Gerhart of Coudersport, Alice Sames of Birdsboro, Pamela (Ron) Andrus of Gaines, Jeff (Judy) Gerhart of Coopersburg, Melody (Dennis) Moses of Port Allegany, Deborah (Kevin) Cline of Coudersport, James (Laura) Gerhart of Coudersport, and Tina (Bob) Rees of Roulette; a former sister-in-law, Ruth Novisher of Coudersport; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Mike was predeceased by a son, Jason Gerhart; and two brothers-in-law, Jesse Trumbauer and Michael Sames, Sr.

Friends may call from 4 to 8pm on Friday, July 14, 2017 at the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, 118 South Union Street, Shinglehouse, where funeral services will follow at 8pm with the Rev. Cecelia Dickerson, of Shinglehouse, officiating. 

Members of Sharon Lodge #598 F. & A.M. will conduct a memorial service at 7:45pm on Friday in the funeral home.

Family and friends are invited to attend military graveside honors and burial at 10:30am on Saturday, July 15, 2017 in the Sweden Hill Cemetery, Coudersport.  The Potter County Honor Guard will accord the honors.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children, 1645 W 8th Street, Erie, PA 16505.

To express condolences or share a fond memory of Mike, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com