Regina "Jean" Gerstenberger

Regina Ann “Jean” Gerstenberger, née Bigler, 97, of Kimball Township, passed away on Monday, August 19, 2024.

Jean was born December 8, 1926 in Cobden, Illinois to the late Frederick August Bigler and Frances Joan Bigler, née Ihle. She was an independent spirit who left her family farm in Carbondale, Illinois as a young woman to pursue her own path in Port Huron, Michigan. Here she worked in a factory, excelled at softball, and met the love of her life, Elwyn “Al” Gerstenberger. They were married on July 3, 1948 in Marysville. He preceded her in death on January 5, 2013 after 64 years of marriage. Jean, the beloved matriarch of a large family including great-great grandchildren, was an avid gardener who loved her dogs and her family. She was generous, smart and strong and will be greatly missed.

Jean is survived by her two daughters, Linda (Dwight) Quant and Bonnie Gerstenberger; a son, Steve Gerstenberger; 11 grandchildren; many great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren; siblings, Ruth Gooden and Bobbie Gooden; and sister-in-law, Lou Bigler.

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Diana Phillips; a son-in-law, Mark Phillips; and 14 brothers and sisters.

Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. on Wednesday, August 21, 2024 in Pollock-Randall Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 22, 2024 in Pollock-Randall Funeral Home with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. Shaun Laurain will officiate.

Burial will be in Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Fort Gratiot Township.

The family prefers memorial contributions be made to the Salvation Army. To send condolences, visit pollockrandall.com