Joseph Gerring, 63, of Cassopolis, died Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2011 at his residence.

He was born Sept. 7, 1947 in South Bend to Marcus “Bus” and Ann (McAdam) Gerring.

He served in the U.S. Navy. He attained the rank E-4 Petty Officer Third Class and served abroad on the naval ships USS Kitty Hawk and USS Forrestal. He loved gardening, cutting wood, hunting and dogs.

Joseph is survived by his mother, Ann Gerring, Three Rivers; one daughter, Shawna (Mike) Middleton, Constantine; two sons, Marcus Gerring, Jones and Matt (Katy) Gerring, Marcellus; five grandchildren, Alexis, Lydia, Megan and Wyatt Middleton and Sam Gerring; two sisters, Mary Kay Corban, Overton Park, Kan., and Pat (Mike) Kramb, Vandalia; and one brother, Tom (Jimmy) Gerring, Constantine; and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Marcus “Bus” Gerring, and one nephew, Jeff Corban.

Family and friends will gather at Saturday, Sept. 3 from 2 p.m. until time of service at 3 p.m. at Connelly Chapel Wagner Family Funerals, 202 North Broadway St., Cassopolis with Pastor Dan Conley officiating.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Connelly Chapel, Wagner Family Funerals, Cassopolis.

Online condolences may be posted at wagnercares.com.