Obituary of Gerald D. Zook

Gerald D. Zook, 75, of Niles, passed away on Saturday, August 12, 2017 at West Woods of Niles, following an extended illness. He was born on January 29, 1942 in Bringhurst, Indiana to the late John L. and Clara (Peterson) Zook. On August 19, 1960 he married Joy A. Beamer at a ceremony in Camden, Indiana. Gerald was a pastor for nearly forty years with the Brethren Church. Gerald enjoyed time on the open road on his motorcycle. He and his wife were members of the Christian Motorcycle Association. Prior to becoming a minister, Gerald worked as a machinist in a metal fabricating plant and a talented mechanic, working for John Deere for many years. He is preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Charlotte Hufford, a brother-in-law, Gary Beamer, a niece, Gwendolyn Everett and a grandson, Seth Zook. Gerald is survived by his wife of nearly fifty-seven years, Joy Zook of Niles, two daughters, Polly (Dennis) Lewis of Niles, Peggy (Terrance) Hopper of Peru, Indiana, two sons, John (Roberta) Zook of North Pole, Alaska and Jeremy Zook of Denver, Indiana, thirteen grandchildren; Jesse Lewis of Granger, Indiana, Terrance Hopper Jr. of Corpus Christi, Texas, Jacob (Jamie) Hopper of Jacksonville, Florida, Craig (Alexis) Nutt of Peru, Indiana, Curtis (Lisa) Hopper of Hawaii, Cale Nutt of Silver Lake, Indiana, Krystal (Kevin) Wullschleger of Lafayette, Indiana, Courtney Hopper of Peru, Indiana, Caitlyn Hopper of Peru, Indiana, Whitney (Kyle) Hayes of Albany, Oregon, Kale O'Roarke of Alaska, Dane O'Roarke of Alaska and Dakota Zook of Fairbanks, Alaska and sixteen great-grandchildren. A celebration of Gerald's life will be held in the fall at the Brethren Retreat Center at Shipshewana Lake, Indiana. Memorial contributions may be made in Gerald's memory to the Brethren Church or to the Parkinson's Foundation. Condolences and memories may be left for the family and www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com or in care of Joy Zook, 70737 Fir Road, Niles, Michigan 49120.