Laurel J. Gerard , age 87 of Marengo, died Sunday, January 29, 2006 at St. Luke’s Hospital, Cedar Rapids, following an extended illness. Funeral Services: 10:30 A.M. Wednesday, February 1, 2006 at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Marengo with Rev. Douglas Morton officiating. Burial will be in the Marengo Cemetery. Friends may call from 4 to 8 P.M. Tuesday, January 31, 2006 at Kloster Funeral Home, Marengo. A memorial fund has been established.

Casket bearers are John Everett, Eric Disterhoft, Dale Gerard, Jody Gerard, Ryan Bazyn, and Pete Bazyn.

Laurel is survived by his wife Jo; two sons, Bob and wife Janet of Marengo, and Jerry “Jake” and wife Mary of Belle Plaine; four daughters, Judy Everett of Newhall, Vicki Foubert of Marengo, Susie Dutton and husband Wilson of Hornbeak, TN, and Rosemary “Rosi” Disterhoft and husband James of Marengo; 12 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren. In addition, he is survived by five sisters, Irene Hartgrave and Anna Hartgrave of Cedar Rapids, Mary Brecht of Marengo, Bonita Albert of East Amana and Twyla Coulon of Amana. He was preceded in death by his parents, and four brothers, Gene, Glen, Gerald, and Russell.

Laurel John Gerard was born May 12, 1918 at Genoa Bluff in Iowa County, the son of Laurel N. and Josephine Kroul Gerard. He attended the Iowa County schools and married Josephine Bostian on March 1, 1939 at the Ohio Church Parsonage, rural Ladora. Laurel farmed in the area for many years. Laurel also was employed by the Iowa Highway Commission and most recently at Marengo Ready Mix.