Joseph P. Gerovac, age 92, passed away peacefully on April 23, 2025 in Traverse City, MI. He was born on March 18, 1933, to Thomas and Katherine (Yelich) Gerovac. He was a 1951 graduate of Marenisco High School where he played basketball and baseball. After graduating he attended Wayne State University for a year then worked on an ore boat on the Great Lakes. Joseph then joined the Air Force and was an air traffic controller stationed in French Morocco. After his service he returned to Marenisco and worked in the mining field in Wakefield for two years. When the company moved out west, dad decided to utilize the GI bill.  He attended Western Michigan University and studied agriculture and finance.

He married Barbara Lorio on August 12, 1960 in Kalamazoo, MI.  Joseph was kind, compassionate, funny and friendly. He worked most of his career in the banking industry, along with 12 years operating a bed and breakfast business with Barbara. He always liked how friendly and nice the patrons were and The Dollhouse Inn quickly earned a reputation for being great hosts — our parents had the gift of hospitality!

Joseph taught his family the love of sports and the outdoors as he enjoyed a variety of activities, something for every season: Golf, Fishing, Water skiing, Camping, Hunting, Cross country skiing, Ice skating, Sledding, Snowmobiling and Traveling. Joseph also loved to sing, dance and watch the Detroit Tigers and Lions.

Joseph is a cherished father to Lee (Nancy) Gerovac, Lynette (Tom) Rachilla, Kim (Matt) Prisk, Melissa (Frank) Ambrosius, and Paul (Lori) Gerovac.  Joseph has 10 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren (3 more on the way) and 1 great, great grandchild. His family will always remember him for the extraordinary man he was, with a legacy passed down through many generations.

Joseph spent his last three years living at Cordia in Traverse City where he was a member of the theater group and choir.  He attended several exercise classes each week and always prepared a joke or two to share with the other participants.

We will honor Joseph with a funeral mass on Saturday, May 17th.  Visitation at 10:00, mass at 11:00, followed by burial and luncheon.  St. Joseph Catholic Church, Traverse City (Old Mission peninsula).

In lieu of flowers, please feel free to contribute to one of dad's passionate activities, making rosaries. Barbara taught him how when she participated with the rosary group at their church in Florida and dad assisted her. After her passing he continued with this ministry and would often set weekly goals of 100 rosaries.

Rosary Makers Ministry

Saint Francis of Assisi Parish Center

5265 Placido Road

Grove City, FL  34224

Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, Covell-Traverse City Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.

www.beaconfh.com