John Gertsch

John William Gertsch, 80, passed away at his home in Port Orchard September 2, 2012.  He was born August 20, 1932 in Darby, MT to Fred & Harriett Gretsch.  John moved to Port Orchard at the age of 17 and worked at PSNS for a couple of years.  He was a self-employed logger until 1983.  After retiring, he loved working at home on old cars, trucks and heavy equipment.  He also enjoyed friends and family visits to talk about the old days and cars. Surviving are his wife Vera; daughters Betty Counterman & Bonnie Millard, both of Port Orchard and Sandra Gertsch of Olalla; son Larry Gertsch of Port Orchard; stepchildren Jeff Jackson of Sequim, Tracy Carlson of Port Orchard, Janice Kampbell of Gig Harbor & Carrie Silvernale of Port Orchard; 19 grandchildren & 26 great-grandchildren.  John had 13 siblings and is survived by sister Bernice Riehle of Spokane, WA & brothers Joseph Gertsch of Davenport, WA, Raymond & Howard Duane Gertsch, both of Yakima, WA, and Clifford “Jack” Gertsch of Kennewick, WA.  He was preceded in death by son John William Gertsch, Jr. A Celebration of Life will be held at the family home on September 15, 2012 at 1:00 pm – all friends are welcome.  Online memorial at www.rill.com Our husband, father, stepfather, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend will be missed more than words can say.