Gerard O. Gobeil Jr.

Gerard O. Gobeil Jr., known by many as “Frenchy” passed away on October 22, 2026, at Bronson Hospital in Kalamazoo. 

He was born on September 7, 1944, in Montreal, Canada, the son of Gerard and Eva (Lajeunesse) Gobeil. Frenchy’s life was marked by hard work, devotion to family, and a deep enjoyment of sports and community. He moved from Canada to the United States with his parents in the 1950s, settling in Massachusetts. At 14, he began working as a painter alongside his father and great-uncle, starting a trade that would remain central to his life. He later served his country in the U.S. Navy after joining in 1962. 

In the early 1960s, he moved his family to Michigan following his sister. A skilled tradesman, Frenchy worked first as a union painter before going on to own and operate Frenchy’s Painting and Wallcoverings in Kalamazoo from 1977 until his retirement in 2021. His long career reflected both his talent and his commitment to his work. Frenchy also brought energy and enthusiasm to the things he loved outside of work. 

He always enjoyed hockey, and in the early 1970s he played semi-professionally for the Kalamazoo K-Wings, the Stevens Point Kings, and the Milwaukee Admirals. As a goalie, he was part of a championship team with the Admirals. In later years, he enjoyed golfing, bowling, and playing darts. He also gave generously of his time by coaching baseball, hockey, and football when his children were younger. He was a member of the Moose and Eagles. On November 28, 1964, he married Theresa Edwards and they spent 38 years together. 

Surviving are his children, Gisele (Rob) Zweedyk of Schoolcraft, Michelle (Patrick) Bowler of Cassopolis, Gerard (Stephanie) Gobeil of Otsego, Christina (Richard) Briand of Niles, Michael Gobeil of Kalamazoo, and Andrea (Saul)Medrano of Texas; 21 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren and 2 nieces. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; sister, Gisele Bontrager, and by his granddaughter, Angela Briand. 

Friends may visit with Frenchy’s family from 4-7PM, Thursday, October 29, 2026, at the Winkel Funeral Home, Otsego, with a rosary service at 6:30 P.M. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12:00 P.M. (EST), Friday, October 30, 2026, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Chapel, 501 Wayland Rd, Kingsford Heights, Indiana, with Rev. Fr. Kenneth Novak officiating. Burial will follow at St. Vincent de Paul Cemetery in Elkhart, Indiana.

 Contributions in memory of Frenchy may be directed to his family for expenses. 

Messages of condolence may be posted at www.WinkelFuneralHome.com.