Hubert L. Gersch

GERSCH, HUBERT Age 91 May 5, 2026 Hugh was the beloved husband of Yoonsil. Loving father of Kurt Gersch and Julie (Scott) Gatti. Proud grandfather of Garrett Gersch, Julian Gatti, and Leyna Carmen Gatti. Dear brother, uncle, and great-uncle to many. Preceded in death by his former wife, Marilyn; infant son, John; daughter-in-law, Joyce; and his seven older siblings, whom he deeply loved as the youngest of eight. A proud Detroiter through and through, he dedicated much of his life to serving the city he loved as a Detroit firefighter. He was on the job for thirty-three years, eight of which he spent as union Vice President of DFD Local 344. He retired at the rank of Battalion Chief. He carried immense pride for his city, its people, and the brotherhood of the fire department. He was respected not only for his leadership and dedication, but for the humor and humanity he brought to everyone around him. He never met a stranger. He had a way of connecting with people instantly. He could strike up a conversation with absolutely anyone. He told hilarious stories, had an arsenal of colorful expressions, and brought joy everywhere he went. He lived life with boundless energy, surrounded by family and friends. While he loved Detroit deeply, some of his happiest moments were spent with Yoon on Madeira Beach where they formed deep friendships with other owners and renters at the Madeira Place condos in Florida. He enjoyed not only the sun and waves - walking that beach almost daily even at age 91 - but the bustle of Gulf Blvd, tooling around on his motor scooter. Above all else, his life was centered around God. His Lutheran faith was the foundation of who he was. He spent countless hours each day in prayer, faithfully praying for his family, friends, and everyone he knew. His devotion, compassion, and spiritual strength touched the lives of so many people. Family meant everything to him. He loved his children and grandchildren deeply and took immense pride in the lives they built. He treasured time spent together, long conversations, and the simple joy of being surrounded by the people he loved most. His legacy of service, prayer, love, and laughter will live on with all who were blessed to know him. He will be deeply missed and lovingly carried in the hearts of his family, neighbors, and friends always. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his honor to his "favorite" granddaughter's 2026 Chicago Marathon chosen charity. Leyna is running in support of A Safe Haven Foundation, which gives families access to housing, care and opportunities. A Safe Haven Foundation https://fundraisers.hakuapp.com/leyna-gatti or to Great Lakes Burn Camp https://glbcforkids.org/donate-now Visitation Friday, May 15, 2026 from 2:30-8:00pm at Wujek-Calcaterra & Sons 36900 Schoenherr Rd. at Metro Parkway (16 Mile Rd.) STERLING HEIGHTS. Funeral Saturday, May 16, 2026 Instate 10:00am at Hope Lutheran Church 32400 Hoover (btw. 13 & 14 Mile Rds.) until time of Service at 11:00am. Private Interment Elmwood Cemetery, Detroit, MI. Share memories with the family at their "On Line Guest Book" @ WujekCalcaterra.com.

Hubert L. Gersch

November 10, 1934 - May 5, 2026