Betty Gerhard
Betty Gerhard
IRON MOUNTAIN — Betty Ann (Sealander) Gerhard, 91, of Iron Mountain, devoted wife, cherished mother, and beloved Meme, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her children on Friday, July 11, 2025, at Evergreen Meadows in Norway.
She was born March 22, 1934, in Gross, Mich., daughter of the late Christ and Nettie (Erickson) Sealander, and graduated from Escanaba High School in 1952. After graduation, Betty attended business school, and was employed at Escanaba Paper Mill. Betty married James William Gerhard on Sept. 10, 1955, at Bethany Lutheran Church in Escanaba. They lived in Two Rivers, Wis., before moving to Iron Mountain in 1960.
Betty worked for 30 years at the Dickinson-Iron Intermediate School District before retiring in 1995. Betty was an active member of Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, where she sang in the choir for over 25 years and was a member of the Ladies Church Circle. She was a dedicated member of PEO, having received her 60-year pin last year. Betty enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren, cooking wonderful meals, playing cards, had a quick wit and kind heart, and loved to redecorate their home.
Betty is survived by her four children, Beth (Milan) Coburn of Valparaiso, Ind., Susan (Jeffrey) Saholt of Apple Valley, Minn., Judy (Daniel) Ryan of Coon Rapids, Minn., and Robert Gerhard of Iron Mountain; 13 grandchildren, Eric (Allison) Coburn, Matthew (Jessica) Coburn, Paul (Shalia) Coburn, Melissa (Thomas) Schiroo, Chloe Saholt, Gabriella Saholt, Jonathan Saholt, Callie Ryan, Hannah (Grant) Herschberger, Adam (Miranda) Gerhard, Abby (Tristan) Poss, Nathan (Makayla Meise) Gerhard, and Charles (Faith Bal) Gerhard; 10 great-grandchildren; and many beloved nieces and nephews.
Betty was preceded in death by her husband, James; brothers Marvin (Laverne) Sealander, Edward (Mary) Sealander, and George (Hazel) Sealander; and sister Alice Norman.
Visitation will be Wednesday, July 16, from 9 to 11 a.m. at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Iron Mountain. The funeral service will begin at 11 a.m. after the visitation. Luncheon to follow service. The Rev. Nicholas Hopman will officiate. Burial will be in Cemetery Park in Iron Mountain.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, PEO Chapter AN, or charity of your choice in memory of Betty.
Friends may leave a tribute for Betty’s family at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com.
The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the arrangements.
