Michal Esther (Buck) Gerard

Michal Esther Gerard (nee Buck), from West Bend, spent her final days at Kathy Hospice surrounded by the comfort and love of her many family and friends. She was called home to be with Jesus on Friday, January 3, 2025 at the age of 69.

Born on June 30, 1955 in Rochester, Minnesota, daughter to the late Rev. Earl and Marie Buck, Michal was raised in a loving home with her five siblings. Together, they enjoyed camping, fishing, family vacations, and devoting time to their father’s church.

Michal was an active member in the West Bend community. She was a long-time member of the Moraine Chorus and other local singing groups and was an often-requested vocalist at church services, weddings, and family celebrations. Michal participated frequently both on stage and backstage in countless Musical Masquers and other local theater performances. Her favorite roles included Sister Mary Robert Ann in Nunsense , Golde in Fiddler on the Roof , and Abby in Arsenic and Old Lace . Her signature gift was her beautiful voice and love for singing, which she shared with many churchgoers, newlyweds, and theater-lovers.

Michal was an active and well-loved member of Immanuel United Church of Christ where she shared her talents of music and singing in worship, taught Sunday school, and volunteered in many church missions.

Michal was an extremely loving and supportive mother, granny, sister, aunt, and friend. She is survived by her son Daniel, his wife Rachel Barger, and their children Samuel and Nora; her son Michael; her daughter Rebecca Shanahan, her husband David, and their children Magdalene and Adeline; and siblings Mark (Jane) Buck, Ahlai (Marty) Wojcik, John (Lora) Buck, Diana (Jim) Gilley, and Shelah (Steve) Hoblin.

Anyone who met Michal was extremely blessed by her presence and genuine care and concern for them, regardless of how well she knew them.

VISITATION: Michal’s family will greet relatives and friends on Saturday, January 11, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. until 12:30 p.m., at Immanuel United Church of Christ, 501 Walnut St, West Bend, WI.

SERVICE: A funeral service will follow visitation at 1:00 p.m., with Rev. Rich Vincent officiating. Burial will take place in Washington County Memorial Park.

Donations can be sent to Immanuel United Church of Christ or the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.

Myrhum-Patten Funeral & Cremation Service has been entrusted with Michal's arrangements. Additional information and Tribute Wall may be found at www.myrhum-patten.com.