Charles F. Gerds, born November 22, 1924 in Detroit, Michigan to Emma Wollenschlaeger Gerds and Charles T. Gerds. He married Lois Burton on April 15, 1950. They had three children, Gary (Linda), Gail (David Spencer) and Roxanne (David Peace). His four grandchildren; Jason, Charles and Rachel Gerds and Jesse Spencer were the joys of his life. He also had an extra blessing in his two great grandchildren Aiden Partain and Charles Burton Gerds II. Charles was a man of faith and a lifelong member of the Lutheran Church. Faith, Family and Country were his priorities.

Charles served his country as a Sergeant in the Army Air Force during WWII. He worked for the City of Detroit Parks & Rec department and the City of Detroit Fire Department. He joined the City of Detroit Police Department in 1953 and retired after 25 years rising to the rank of Detective Lieutenant. While on the Police Department he earned his Associates degree in Criminal Justice from Mercy College and he also graduated from the FBI Academy. After he retired from the police department Charles worked for the Taubman Corporation as Director of Security. Charles was preceded in death by his parents, a sister (Nelda Broadwell) and Lois his wife of 53 years.

Visitation Monday 2pm-8:30pm with a 7pm VFW Service at McCabe Funeral Home, 31950 W. 12 Mile Rd., Farmington Hills. Instate Tuesday 9am until time of Funeral Service 10am at St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 2040 S Commerce Rd, Walled Lake, MI. Interment at Glen Eden Lutheran Memorial Park, Livonia. In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions may be made to Juvenile Diabetes and St. Matthew Lutheran Church in his name.