Please send prayers to Beth Coburn and her family for the death of her Mother, Betty.
Betty Ann (Sealander) Gerhard, 91 years of
age, devoted wife, cherished mother, and beloved Meme of Iron Mountain, MI, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her children on Friday, July 11, 2025 at Evergreen Meadows in Norway, Michigan.
She was born March 22, 1934, in Gross, Michigan, 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 September 10, 1955 at Bethany Lutheran Church in Escanaba, MI. They lived in Two Rivers, WI 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 P.E.O. 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, Valparaiso, IN, Susan (Jeffrey) Saholt, Apple Valley, MN, Judy (Daniel) Ryan, Coon Rapids, MN, and Robert Gerhard, Iron Mountain; thirteen 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; ten great grandchildren, and many beloved nieces and nephews.
Betty was preceded in death by her husband, James, and brothers Marvin (Laverne) Sealander, Edward (Mary) Sealander, and George (Hazel) Sealander, and sister
Alice Norman.
Visitation will be Wednesday, July 16th from 9 – 11 AM at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church, Iron Mountain. The funeral service will begin at 11 after the visitation. Luncheon to follow service. The Reverend Nicholas Hopman will officiate. Burial will be in Cemetery Park, 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.
