Obituary for Gerard Marcel Vanexem
Passed away, peacefully after a courageous struggle with illness, on January 9, 2021 at Maple Manor, Tillsonburg, Gerard Marcel Vanexem, a long-time Kara Lane resident in Tillsonburg, at the age of 85. Born in Watou, West Flanders, Belgium, son of the late Marcel Vanexem and Julia (Wils) Vanexem. Gerard could be described as a kind, thoughtful, intelligent, and resourceful man; for Gerard, family was everything. It sustained him and was the focus and purpose of his life. As a young man, he worked as a tobacco farmer and during his semi-retirement, he joined Johnson Controls until his full retirement in 1998. Gerard’s passions were gardening, cooking, and animals of all kinds. Gerard is survived by his devoted wife Josie (Catlack) Vanexem, with which they built a wonderful life together for 56 years. Proud father to Terry Visosky, of Tillsonburg; Brenda Sawers (Gary Sawers), of Millbrook, and Brenda’s daughter Katie Rowley; Cindy Vanexem (Michael Sauka), of Tillsonburg; and their daughter Jess Sauka. Survived by his sisters Simone (late Etienne) Verhulst, of Belgium; Esther (Pete) Van Ryswyk, of Tillsonburg; Mary VanRyswyk (late Harry), of Tillsonburg; Godelieve Duyck (late Chris), of Tillsonburg. Also survived by his brothers Andrew Vanexem (late Paula), of Hagersville; Paul (Carol) Vanexem, of Ingersoll; Joe Vanexem, of Tillsonburg; and by several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Predeceased by his mother-in-law Agnes Vandenberghe, and by his sisters: Andrea Delporte (survived by her husband Andre Delporte); Gerarda Hurkens (late Pete); Louise Van Ooteghem (late Ralph).
“A special thank you goes out to Dr. John Andrew, Dr. David Jones, and all the staff at Maple Manor for going above and beyond in caring for Gerard. Their compassion is greatly appreciated.”
A private family interment will take place in the Tillsonburg Cemetery, following a Private Family Funeral Liturgy Service on Wednesday, January 13th at 11:00 a.m. in the Maurice J. Verhoeve Funeral Homes- Burial and Cremation Services Inc. Chapel, 262 Broadway Street, Tillsonburg, by Rev. Fr. Ben Huyge, of St. Mary’s R.C. Church. Friends and relatives are invited to offer support and caring by posting photos, sending flowers, sharing favourite memories or contributing memorial donations in Gerard’s memory (online at www.verhoevefuneralhome.com or by cheque) to “The Canadian Cancer Society” or to the “Purrfect Companions of Norfolk,” through the Maurice J. Verhoeve Funeral Homes, Tillsonburg (519) 842-4238, which has been entrusted with all arrangements, with confidence.
“A special thank you goes out to Dr. John Andrew, Dr. David Jones, and all the staff at Maple Manor for going above and beyond in caring for Gerard. Their compassion is greatly appreciated.”
A private family interment will take place in the Tillsonburg Cemetery, following a Private Family Funeral Liturgy Service on Wednesday, January 13th at 11:00 a.m. in the Maurice J. Verhoeve Funeral Homes- Burial and Cremation Services Inc. Chapel, 262 Broadway Street, Tillsonburg, by Rev. Fr. Ben Huyge, of St. Mary’s R.C. Church. Friends and relatives are invited to offer support and caring by posting photos, sending flowers, sharing favourite memories or contributing memorial donations in Gerard’s memory (online at www.verhoevefuneralhome.com or by cheque) to “The Canadian Cancer Society” or to the “Purrfect Companions of Norfolk,” through the Maurice J. Verhoeve Funeral Homes, Tillsonburg (519) 842-4238, which has been entrusted with all arrangements, with confidence.