Gerry Baetsen

Gerardus “Gerry” Baetsen of Merlin, loving husband of Linda (Hopper) Baetsen, father of Tom & Lisa Baetsen, Gary & Kristi Baetsen and the late Jackie Baetsen and “Opa” to Ashley, Tyler, Amber, William, Natalie, Jaedyn, Jake and Ella passed away at the Chatham-Kent Hospice on Thursday December 19, 2019.

Born in Holland on April 24, 1943, Gerry was one of fifteen children born to the late Anna Marie & Lambertus Baetsen.  He is survived by his siblings Christina Henrietha McDonald, William Renier Baetsen,  Johanna Petronella VanOirschot, Leonie Marie Sproule, Elisabeth Wilhelmina Foote and Petronella Maria Brouns.  He was predeceased by his siblings Marie Leonie Vroomans, Leonardus Antonius Baetsen, Antionette Maria Baetsen, Berta Maria Mann, Wilhelmina Gerarda VanDevl, Margaretha Henriette Mitrakos, Anna Matilda Consten and Antonius Lois Henrick Baetsen.

Survived by his brother-in-law Larry Hopper, sister-in-law Marilyn Cartier and his pal, Chase.

Gerry was a Millwright by trade and worked for many years at Dorssers in Blenheim.  His love of working followed him in his retirement as he continued to keep busy every day.  He loved his family with all his heart.  He and Linda enjoyed spending their winters in Florida where they made many good friends.

Family and friends are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home where visitation will take place on Sunday from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 p.m.  A Funeral Mass for Gerry will be held in St. Patrick’s Church, Merlin on Monday December 23, 2019 at 11:00 a.m.  Cremation will follow.

Friends wishing to remember Gerry with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Chatham-Kent Hospice.