With profound sorrow and broken hearts, we announce that Terese Gerson passed away June 2, 2025 at the age of 67 at Barnes Jewish Hospital with Christian music playing in the background and her family and friends lifting her up in prayer as Jesus welcomed her home.
Terese was born March 13, 1958 in Alton, IL to Bill and Sue (Tuetken) Lorsbach. She was raised both on a farm on Blue Ridge Hollow and GridIron Acres growing up with her siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. Any day was a good day for a gathering, whether it was at Bill and Sue’s house or the Apple Blossom. Together they made life feel lighter and brighter with more laughter than you can imagine.
Terese worked hard as a single parent to put herself through school graduating with an Associates Degree in Early Childhood in 1992. Following graduation, she began working as a teachers aide at Calhoun Elementary and Junior High School. She loved and cherished her coworkers and her passion was working with young minds which carried over to helping teach her grandchildren. She retired in 2020 after 28 years in education.
She met and married the love of her life, Bill Gerson on November 20, 2004. Their love came when it was meant to be and was a testament to faith, second chances, and the joy of finding love. Together they blended a family and enjoyed a life full of family, friends, and two special neighbors, Brenda and the late Phil Gress.
Above all else, Terese’s greatest accomplishment and title was “Jimmy” or Grandma. Her grandchildren were the light of her life. She would do absolutely anything for them, no sacrifice too big or small. She gave her heart to them fully and without hesitation. She made each grandchild feel loved, uniquely known and incredibly special.
Terese was a safe place and had a quiet strength about her. Her life was built on faith - deep, unwavering and ever present. She believed in the power of prayer and carrying so many of us through life’s storms by lifting our names up to God, often without us knowing. She didn’t need attention or recognition. She loved people and prayed for those she didn’t even know it daily. Even when she was struggling, enduring hardship, or facing difficult times, you would never know it—she always put others first, offering help and prayers for them instead.
She is survived by her loving husband, Bill Gerson, devoted daughters Sara Lorsbach (Bernard “Bud” Hillen), Samantha Sievers (Kyle), loved step-daughters, Alicia Churchman (David), and Amy Carbaugh (Rob). Sisters and brother, MaryLu Gerson, Kate Sievers (Duane), and PJ Lorsbach (Heather). Her extra-special, talented grandchildren, Emery, Grayson, Hayes, Lucy, Blake, Tanner, Hadley, Thomas and Allison - all of whom were the apples of her eyes. She is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, in-laws, cousins, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents Bill and Sue Lorsbach, brother Bill (Willard) Lorsbach, brother-in-law Jim Gerson, father and mother-in-law Clayton and Ginny Gerson as well as a special cousin Butch Lorsbach.
The visitation will be held Sunday June 8, 2025 at Gress, Kallal and Schaaf Funeral Home in Hardin IL from 4:00 - 7:00 pm. Funeral mass will be at 10:00 am on June 9, 2025 at St. Norbert's Church in Hardin, IL. Burial to follow at St. Norbert’s Cemetery in Hardin, IL.
Memorials can be made to the Calhoun County Ambulance, St. Anselm Church or family choice.
Terese was everything good that is in this world. She will be deeply missed by many. If you feel inclined, say a prayer for someone else today or go out of your way to perform a kind gesture in her honor.
Online Condolences can be made at www.eliaskallalandschaaf.com.
