Gerald "Chief" Waseskuk
January 24, 2016
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Service Details
Gerald “Chief” Waseskuk
Pleasant Hill
Dad passed from this life into victory January 24, 2016 at the age of 68 after a long battle with numerous health issues. A celebration of his life will be held Saturday, January 30, 2016 at the “White House,” 1400 Pennsylvania Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50316, from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m., with the family receiving visitors to follow until there are no stories left to tell. Come casual and bring a story or a picture to share.
Dad was preceded in death by his parents, Ben and Marilynn Waseskuk. He is survived by his children, Ben (Jan) Waseskuk and Lynn (Jason) Van Patten; his sisters, Benjie (Bob) Shepherd and Mary (Jerry) Van De Boe; his grandchildren, Aaron, Ian, James, Nick (Melanie), Damon and Jayden. He also had a multitude of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. Our father never met a stranger.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to the Waseskuk family, 2024 Avalon Road, Des Moines, IA 50314. All gifts not used for final expenses will be donated to AA in his name because it works if you work it.
Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Susan J
01/28/2016
Met you at Aaron and Ian's graduation parties. As Ben and Jan's neighbor, saw you visit. Know you walked your walk for all. Now you walk in beauty.
Sympathy for Ben and all his family.
Larry and Nancy Young
01/27/2016
From different sides of the street (inside joke) but not afraid to acknowledge it. A look at first, a wave, then a handshake from then on. From East High School on, can you believe it, to our kids school events and lastly our grandkids events, with a pancake breakfast thrown in for good measure. So not necessarily a look or a wave anymore but always a handshake. Everything was like it was yesterday. You will be missed but not forgotten. To all of "Gerald's" family remember the past and cherish your memories.
Steve Sallman
01/27/2016
This world is a better place because of our union brother Chief! He loved calling my kids on the phone pretending to be Santa and it was a joy to watch them, but truth be told, Chief got the most out of it. I will never forget him doing the Macarena dance in his bib overalls at the plant truly a sight to behold, too bad there was no YouTube then. I will forever cherish him yelling Stevie Weevie at me and me yelling back, Chiefie Weevie! I can only imagine the reunion hes having with all of the departed union brothers and sisters from USW Local Union #310L. The laughter will continue in his honor.
Janise
01/27/2016
you will be missed it was always a joy to see you coming thru Tom and Winnies door never s stranger to who was there rest in peace
Stevi Janssen
01/27/2016
I'm still speechless and heart broken. My step father was a great man he was always there no matter what and he was a great dad and Papa!!! He and jayden were the best of pals and I couldn't of asked for a better person to be in our life's!!! I'll miss talking and hearing your voice jayden misses you already dad we love you save some mighty minis for jayden papa lol ????????
Pat Weiss Michener
01/27/2016
Ben and Lynn and families. My thoughts are with you at time of loss. The memories will live on to comfort you.
Mary B
01/26/2016
Gerry was the best example of "By the Grace of God" I have ever met. A true kindred spirit and demonstrated through action the benefits of living a sober lifestyle. He always treated my daughter and I like part of his family. I can't help but feel gratitude for knowing this man.
Thanks Big Gerry, for sharing part of your world with me.
Always loved and never forgotten.
Debora Hudson
01/26/2016
Thank you for being an Example of what I want to be like when I grow up. You were Spiritual, Caring, Patient, Kind, You Walked the Walk, as well as, Lived it ! Chief, thank you for being you and making us all a little better by having you in our lives. You will be missed. Prayers and hugs to all the family and friends. Thank you for sharing Chief with us all : )
Danny & Betty Thurman
01/26/2016
Lynn and family, we are so saddened at the loss of "The Chief" just breaks my heart he was such a great guy. Always enjoyed our visits at the 5 & Diner and HyVee. Also sorry we will not make the celebration of his life to show our feelings in person as we are in Arizona. Lynn, I didn't know how to get a hold of you to tell you personally. Danny & Betty
Todd, Diane, Adam, and Aaron Roorda
01/26/2016
Sending our condolences to all the family. Gerry was a very kind man with a very big heart. He loved his family dearly and will be missed by all. Prayers to his entire family.
John & Mary Hiatt
01/26/2016
No matter how long it was between visits it was like we just saw him yesterday. John still tells stories of working with Chief at Firestone and all the havoc they wreaked. Good times for sure. Made going to work fun. We are so sorry for your loss.
Bill & Cleoda Mikesch
01/26/2016
We are so very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Linda @ Bill Vanderpool
01/26/2016
Gerry always listened to everyone @ never judged. He had a knack for making people see the good in themselves. Gerry never complained; especially toward the end. We will miss you but will always remember your words. You are now one of the eagles flying free over the riverbank by the White House.
Deb (Bellis) and Brian Christian
01/26/2016
I'm so bummed! I love your dad and he was ornery to the end. I saw him not to long ago at HyVee and he stalkingly stared me down until I was uncomfortable. I didn't realize it was him until I nervously had to walk past him. When I got closer, he started laughing his butt off. I told him I didn't recognize him and didn't have my glasses on. I told him he was freaking me out staring at me. He told me that's why it was fun! His love and laughter will be missed greatly. Ben and Lynn, I am so very sorry for your loss. Love you guys
The Carlstedt family
01/26/2016
We sure will miss this gentle soul.