Morris, New York - MORRIS - Gerard "Gedo" Bourgeois, 89, of Morris, passed peacefully on Feb. 5, 2024, at his home, surrounded by loved ones, after a short battle with lung cancer.

He was born on March 26, 1934, in Goodyear, Connecticut, to Julienne and Oliver Bourgeois.

He grew up in East Worcester and Laurens. After graduating from Laurens Central School, where he was senior class president, he joined the United States Army. He received infantry basic training in Fort Dix, New Jersey and then was assigned to the 9th Division Honor Guard. Next, he was assigned to the Infantry NCO Leadership School. As a distinguished graduate, Gerard was sent to the 4.2 Mortar Fire Direction Center School in Fort Benning, Georgia. Overseas, Gerard ran the Fire Direction Center for 4.2 Mortar Company at Salzburg, Austria. His final assignment was to a regiment in Kirchgoens, Germany, where he again ran the Fire Direction Center. Gerard was honorably discharged in 1956.

After his service in the U.S. Army, Gerard married Doris Nissen in 1957 and they made their home in Morris, on Broad Meadows Dairy Farm. In their 66 years together, they raised five children and their lives were blessed with grand and great-grandchildren.

Gedo was active in several farm and community organizations and served as president of the Otsego County Farm Bureau and Morris Rotary Club.

Gerard is survived by his beloved wife, Doris; daughter, Diana (David) Birdsall; sons, Gerard (Olga) Bourgeois II, Brian (Marjorie) Bourgeois, and Oliver (Amie) Bourgeois; brother, Dennis (Elaine) Bourgeois; sister, Irene Bourgeois; and sister-in-law, Lucille (Maynard) Conroe. Gedo is survived by 12 grandchildren, Matthew (Amanda) Birdsall, Meredith (Rosario) Baio, Gerard Bourgeois III, Frazer Bourgeois, John (Kari) Deer, Benjamin (Hilary) Deer, Bethany (Christopher) Yarrobino, Bradley (Stephanie) Bourgeois, Phillip (Erica) Bourgeois, Margaret Bourgeois, Tobias Bourgeois, and Hazel Bourgeois. Gedo is also survived by 12 great-grandchildren.

Gerard was predeceased by his daughter, Brenda (John) Deer; brother, Leonard (Helen) Bourgeois; and brother-in-law, James (Harriett) Nissen.

Calling hours will be held from 1 to 3 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 11, at Johnston & Stanimer Funeral Home in Morris. A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m., Monday, Feb. 12, at Zion Episcopal Church, Morris.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Morris Rotary Club or Morris Emergency Squad.

His family has entrusted his care to Edd Stanimer of the Johnston & Stanimer Funeral Home in Morris.

Share online condolences with his family at www.JohnstonFH.com.