Howard Leslie Gerber

December 8th, 2024

I remember the drive to Michigan with Lori and Howard, to see Ben. We talked and laughed and enjoyed each other’s company. It made me aware that Becky was marrying into a wonderful family, with values, joy, and kindness. Great trip!

~Richelle and Roger Cochran
~machatonim, sacramento, california

December 8th, 2024

My memories of Uncle Howie are dominated by music. His Clarinet, his voice and he and my mother (his sister) arguing over which song to play and sing .Yeah, it is true that we Northsiders experienced the Southside as a world apart. When we did make the trek my mother would invariably tell stories about her little brother and older brother on the car ride down. Now, I wish I had listened more carefully and so that I would be able to remember more about their lives together. Howard being an athlete, my mother a Shirley Temple child singer, and my Uncle Irwin, who barely old enough to walk figured out how to take a bite out the hanging salami. There were a few stories about how my mother’s brothers treated the boys who came to the house to see my mother. Back then I couldn’t imagine those grown men as teenagers. Somehow, it’s easier now. With a father who was a Kosher butcher and a mother who had an iron will their family formed the center of an extended family. I wish I could have been in the room for the service, but so glad I was able to join virtually. I miss you all.

~Carolyn Lemsky
~Neice, Toronto, Ontario canada

December 8th, 2024

Howard was unique!
Bill and I live below Lorry and Howard.
Before he took ill, we loved listening to Howard sing and play is clarinet!!
We used to smile at one another and enjoy his pleasures. May his memory be a blessing to the entire family.

~Judy Bashkin
~Neighbor, Glenview

December 8th, 2024

Dear Ben and family,

My brother Al Bolon told me of your Dad’s passing. This whole week I’ve been thinking of him, even before I knew.

He was a very special cousin to me and a special nephew to my Dad Sidney Bolon. I have and always will be proud to be related to him and to you his treasured family.

I’ve attached a photo your Dad gave me, taken at my mom and dad’s wedding in 1939. You’ll see Dad Howie sitting next to your aunt Shirley. Since your grandma Jenny raised my dad from age 12 till he married my mom, Sid and Howie shared a room. I was told Howie missed Sid terribly when he got married and left the household. So Howie was like his little brother. Your grandma, my aunt Jenny, saved my Dad from a painful life. He lost Jenny’s mom Sara when he was 4.

Your Dad accomplished so much in his lifetime.
I will be at the funeral tomorrow.

All my prayers to you and yours.

Bobbi Bolon Fields

~Bobbi 6
~First Cousin, Buffalo Grove