BESSEMER, Mich. - Geraldine "Gerri" Burt, 99, of Bessemer, died Thursday evening June 12, 2025, at Westgate Nursing, Rehabilitation and Assisted Living Center in Ironwood, after a brief illness. The family would like to thank the caring staff of Westgate for the loving care that they provided to Gerri for the two years she was a resident. She especially enjoyed Bingo, Uno, Yahtzee, Whackee Ball and crafts with the staff and other residents. She brightened everyone's day with her infectious smile and outgoing personality.

Gerri was born May 10, 1926, to Elona (nee Stephens) and Bernard Vogeler at the Newport Hospital in Ironwood. She was the first of three children for Elona and Bernie. Her brother, Robert, "Bob" was born in 1929, and her sister, Dorothy, was born in 1938. The Vogeler's lived in Palms Location until they moved to Bessemer in the 1930s. Gerri graduated from A.D. Johnston High School in Bessemer in 1944, where she was active as a cheerleader, student government officer and a cast member in many high school plays.

After graduation, she worked for Dr. R.J. Mullen as a dental hygienist for six years, and then spent the remainder of her life raising her children and spending time with her parents, brother, sister and many family members.

Gerri sold Avon products from 1950 until the time of her passing.

She married Robert "Bunny" Burt in 1945, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Bessemer. They had two boys together, Robert, "Bobby" in 1952, and Jeffrey, in 1961. She had been a lifetime member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Bessemer, and Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Ramsay, where she served as Sunday school and Vacation Bible School teacher, greeter, altar guild, choir, fellowship teams and much more.

She served as a Den Mother (Leader) for Cub Scouts from 1958-1962.

Gerri was active in the American Legion Auxiliary, performing many duties and served as president too many times to count. She is probably best known for cheerfully serving spaghetti at the Thursday night dinners for many years.

She remained active in the Republican Party of Gogebic County for many years, beginning in the early 1970s. She was also active in the Ironwood Theatre for 40 years, the Grand View (Aspirus) Hospital Gift Shop, Washington School and ADJ PTO organizations, Bessemer Professional Women's Club and the Copper Peak Gift Shop. She was always willing to help out anyone who needed help. She did so with a big smile on her face.

Gerri served on the Gogebic County Canvassing Board from 1980 through 2020, working every election tirelessly and with upmost devotion to make sure election totals were reported accurately.

Gerri is survived by her son, Jeffrey (Ann), Bessemer; two grandchildren, Matthew Burt, Gonzoles, Louisiana, and Stephanie Smith (Job), Mercersburg, Pennsylvania; and three-great-granddaughters, Moxie Burt and Thea and Rose Smith. She is also survived by special nieces, Susan Riche (John), Oakland, California, Sandy Fieten (Brian), Mentor, Ohio, and Sheri Yong (Ray), Tampa, Florida; and many other nieces, nephews and in-laws.

She was preceded in death by her son, Robert "Bobby" (1968); her husband, Robert "Bunny" (1984); her father, Bernard "Bernie" (1993); mother, Elona (1998); sister, Dorothy (2010); and brother, Robert "Bob" (2010).

There will be visitations at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, E8223 Sanders Road, Bessemer, on Tuesday, June 24, from 5-7 p.m. and again Wednesday, June 25, from 10-11 a.m. The funeral service will begin at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, also at the church. The Rev. Steve Hyvonen will officiate.

Following the funeral, there will be a committal service at the Hillcrest Cemetery in Bessemer.

A light lunch will be served after the committal service at Our Redeemer in the fellowship hall.

Memorial contributions can be made in Gerri's name to Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, E8223 Sanders Rd., Bessemer, Michigan 49911

Jerald Rocco, owner and manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield, is assisting the family with arrangements. To send online condolences or to share a memory, please go to lakesidememorialchapel.com.

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