A Glimpse into the Life of Gerry Stefanich
The Houghton and Keweenaw communities have lost a great supporter who will be missed by many.
Gerry was born August 9, 1938 in Allouez MI but his life drastically changed at 3 weeks of age, Gerry contracted glaucoma. Glaucoma is an abnormally high fluid pressure in the eyes and destroys the retina. He began a strict regimen of eye drops, doctor visits, and had 14 eye operations in his first 18 years. Although he could see very large print at a short distance, the Copper Country schools didn’t have the means to educate him. Just before Christmas in 1944, The Dean of the Michigan School for the Blind (MSB) visited Gerry’s parents and informed them that he had to be at the MSB in Lansing, MI before the New Year. If he wasn’t there, State Troopers would come to take him away and he’d become a ward of the state. So, this 5 ½ year old child was placed on the Greyhound bus and a name tag pinned to his coat for the 32 hour ride to Lansing. Once on the bus, Gerry started taking off his tag, but the driver said he couldn’t do that. Gerry asked him if he had on a name tag to which the driver said no. Gerry took off his tag stating that, “If you don’t need one, neither do I”. As you can see, Gerry was determined even at this early age that his disability was not going to set him back. He endured this ride to and from school for the next 11 years.
Gerry remembers those first months at MSB with sadness and memories of punishment. Although there were many students in his dorm room, Gerry was alone. At night he’d sit by the window, look to the north, and cry; he wanted to be home. His roommates would hear him crying, get the House Mother and Gerry would be punished for crying. Gerry has not cried since 1945. The students came home for Christmas and summer vacations only to find that the school officials had told the parents not to give their children any affection. The children were supposed to be treated as if they were a guest in their own home. To this day, his body tenses when touched and he is reluctantly affectionate.
As a youngster, the neighborhood children were very good about including Gerry in their activities. Gerry did things just like the other children in his neighborhood with some minor adaptations, when needed. He rode bicycles and played hockey with a puck that had been hollowed out and a bell place in the center so he could hear it.He also loved to play baseball. “When I played baseball, my friends would modify the rules. They would let me throw my own ball up in the air and bat it. They knew I could hit the ball out of the park, so they’d put me third in line and have the bases full before I came up. “My batting average was 1,000”.
While at the MSB, Gerry was a member of the M Club (a sports organization), the Hi Y club (a Christian organization), in the school chorus and played the trumpet in the school band. He learned to read and write braille and received excellent grades. In 8th grade, he received permission from the MSB administration to write up a constitution for the Student Teacher Council. He gained a feather in his cap and became the first president of the Student Teacher Council for the MSB. The students were also taught some trade work (making straw brooms, leather shoe repair, and caning chairs). Gerry excelled in chair caning because he could feel the beautiful patterns. There are probably some of you in the Copper Country who have chairs caned by Gerry.
Gerry loved talking about sports and as an adult enjoyed listening to the Detroit Red Wings, Tigers and Lions. As a student at MSB, he was a wrestler and was good enough that he represented the whole state of Michigan and won State Champs in 1954. Gerry would beam when he told one of his favorite football stories. He played center on the offense and nose guard on the defense. It was his responsibility to yell “Hike!” so his teammates knew the ball was in play. Occasionally at the nose guard position, (being blind he could place his index finger on the tip of the ball) Gerry’s finger put a little too much pressure on the ball causing a fumble and he’d recover the ball
Gerry attended MSB from 1944 through 1956 (kindergarten – 11th grade). As Gerry advanced in school, so did his discussions with the school personnel. Gerry felt that MSB was creating obstacles for their students instead of helping them become better adapted for what lies outside the school grounds. An example of this was the sidewalks had a corrugated edge on both sides. Gerry argued that the school was the only place with these sidewalks, what was a blind person to do on a normal sidewalk. He could understand if there might be a use for a special section especially when learning to use the white canes, but he felt that the school was adding to one’s disability instead of helping them cope with it. Gerry was getting frustrated and felt there was more education than what he was being taught (today, we’d probably say that he was a gifted or advanced child).and he really wanted to be home with his family. Gerry transferred to Calumet High School for his senior year obtaining the biology knowledge that he’d need in college, and graduating with high honors in 1957.
Gerry attended Suomi College.1957-1959, receiving an Associate Degree in General Studies. He was contemplated being a lawyer, so he enrolled at Wayne State University. However, just before entering law school he changed his mind and went into Biology. Wayne State was unsure of Gerry’s ability to get a Biology degree because of his disability. They had Gerry take 5 tests covering Zoology, Botany, Microbiology, Physiology, and Entomology. Gerry felt that he was being discriminated against and wondered, “Does everyone have to take these tests to get into Biology? I don’t think so”. He passed all 5 tests. However, Gerry lacked one thing, someone to read to him as the textbooks were not published in braille. There were mothers who would read to him about 4 hours a day, but he needed more reading help if he was to maintain good grades.
Gerry decided to transfer to Michigan State University (MSU) because they had an organization called The Tower Guard. This organization was composed of the top 50 women in the university
2
and would read to the blind college students. Since MSB and MSU were both in Lansing, many MSB students attended MSU. With the help of the Tower Guard ladies, Gerry received his Bachelor in Science along with the highest lab score (98) in entomology (at that time) from MSU. “It was tough identifying insects by touch, but he made it through.” After graduation Gerry was offered a research job in the entomology department, but he didn’t accept as he missed the Copper Country too much
In 1960, before leaving Wayne State University, Gerry visited his cousin Dennis. They were driving on 14 Mile in Detroit when Gerry mentioned that the one regret his blindness caused was that he’d never be able to drive. With that, Dennis stopped the car, got out, and had Gerry move to the driver’s seat. Dennis got in the passenger’s seat, and told Gerry to proceed ahead. Dennis told Gerry to keep moving with the sound of the traffic and he’d tell him when to slow down, turn or stop. Gerry Was Driving!
Gerry spent his summer vacations at home working as an auto mechanic at Effinger’s Service Station (Mr. Effinger would tell Gerry any specs, and he’d do the work), building a beautiful 4 bedroom summer home on the lake in Lac LaBelle, and playing the accordion in “The Polka Masters” band which consisted of Gerry and his father, who played drums. “The Polka Masters” played out most weekends for 20 years. Gerry’s father helped him some on the cabin building, primarily reading the blueprint, gauging the level, and running the saw. Gerry always loved to tell the story about an incident which happened while working at Effinger’s. Gerry was working on a valve job and the vehicle owner kept asking him what is this or that. Gerry thought: “I need to get rid of this guy so I can complete my job”. Gerry asked the man to hold the flashlight. Upon paying his service bill, the customer commented how he’d done his Boy Scout duty by holding the light for the mechanic. Mrs. Effinger replied “I’m not sure that helped much as the mechanic is blind.” Unfortunately the customer wasn’t pleased.
Despite his work experiences, Gerry couldn’t find a job after graduation, so off to school again. This time it was Northern Michigan University where he graduated with his Master’s Degree in Biological Science and a Teaching Certificate. His initial job search was a real shocker for him. He wrote 569 letters to places seeking a teaching position, 568 were returned as rejections. Some schools had steps and they feared Gerry couldn’t maneuver them. Some said he was too much of a liability risk while others just flat out said that a blind person couldn’t teach. Suomi College was the one place that needed a teacher in Advanced English. In one of Gerry’s classes he had just finished taking the roll when he heard someone leave, yet all the students were present. Gerry took the roll again at the end of class and discovered the escapee. Gerry confronted the student the next class period, but the student denied leaving. Gerry said he’d just have to ask the class, the student confessed. The student was informed that if he ever left again he’d receive an “F”. Neither the student nor any of the other students tried to trick Gerry after
3
that. Gerry taught one year for Suomi, but felt he’d be a better elementary teacher because he had much to offer.
It was the recommendation of a friend that helped Gerry get his teaching break. Gerry was interviewed by Ernest Wisti, Superintendent of Stanton School, in the middle of a cow pasture in Stanton Township. Mr. Wisti was unsure about hiring a blind man as a teacher, but agreed to give Gerry a semester trial. That trial lasted for 27 years. Gerry’s lack of sight didn’t limit him. He knew that if he respected the students, they’d do the same and they did. He never had to worry about anyone cheating on a test because the other classmates would take care of that. Gerry was not only their teacher but the students knew he was their friend. He’d spend his lunch hour either helping the students with homework or playing math games. It didn’t take long for the other teachers and administration to learn that Gerry was an amazing teacher and had great control and respect of the classroom. His collegues were sighted and didn’t have that kind of control or respect. Over the years many former students, as well as colleagues, have stopped him to say what a great teacher and friend he was.
Mr. S. had many stories of his years with Redridge and E.B. Holman schools. Once he walked into a very noisy classroom, and said “This can’t be my room”. He stepped out closing the door behind him. He took a couple of steps down the hall then returned to the classroom which had become very quiet. “Ah, this is my classroom” he said knowing that he was in the right room in the first place. Another time Mr. S. was interviewed for The Milwaukee Journal. Upon asking the students about Mr. S., the students said he could tell time by looking at the sun. Little did the students realize that he was actually checking the face on his braille watch! A student was chewing something in class which was against the rules. Mr. S. called the student to his desk and asked what he had in his mouth to which the student replied “Nothing.” Mr. S. asked a second time receiving the same answer. Mr. S’s reply: “Well if you have nothing in your mouth then you can swallow it and go back to your seat.” The student did as instructed but became very sick because he had swallowed the snuff he had in his mouth. To this day, that student does not smoke or chew. Another student had on a new pair of shoes that squeaked. The student kept getting out of his seat when he wasn’t supposed to and Mr. S. would tell him to sit down. The student thought, “I’ll fool him”, took off his shoes and got out of his seat. Mr. S. told him to sit down. The student wondered for years how Mr. S. knew he was out of his seat. He could thank his fellow students for their fidgeting that gave his secret away.
Now you may be asking yourself how a teacher teaches when he can’t see and there are homework and tests to be graded. Claire Schwarzenberg/Loring entered into the picture. Gerry hired Claire to grade the homework and tests as well as read the textbooks to him. Claire also drove Gerry to and from school daily. Claire and Gerry made a good team and over time a relationship developed and they were married in 1971. Although they never had children together, (Claire had three children from her first marriage and two granddaughters) their home was always open
4
to students. Gerry talked about the many Sunday dinners that he and Claire would prepare for college students; never knowing just who or how many would show but there was always plenty of food to go around. They also entertained many MTU’s students at the camp in Lac LaBelle. Gerry and Claire loved spending time there. That was their get-away place, away from all the hustle and bustle and their busy schedule.
Claire became ill in the mid 2000’s and died in October 2007. She and Gerry had been married for 36 years. After Claire’s death, it was only Gerry and his best companion, Rusty the dog. Gerry was very lonely. In 2009, a mutual friend introduced Debbie (Burger/Simpson) and Gerry. Their first date was to the movie “Blind Side”. she asked Gerry to which side he’d like her to sit, his answer: “It doesn’t matter, either one is my blind side.” They got married in 2010. Now Gerry had two additional step-children and eight step-grandchildren.
With the various schools that Gerry attended, he had many good friends. Unfortunately most of them lived in Lower Michigan or other states. Gerry hated to talk on the telephone unless he was talking about old times with one of these friends. One of the things Gerry missed was visiting with these friends. The fall of 2010, Debbie planned a trip downstate and took Gerry to see: two former classmates whom he’d not seen in 50 years, a sister of a former classmate, and a former. MTU grad that’d spend many hours with Gerry and Claire; Gerry had a blast and his smile beamed from ear to ear. It was amazing to hear them talk about the “good old days. “We took the trip for the next two falls before Gerry’s health made it difficult for him to travel any distance.
“The Polka Masters” band disbanded after Gerry’s father became ill and passed away, but that didn’t stop Gerry from playing music. He played his accordion around the house and whenever anyone wanted to hear him play. He also took up organ playing. The Lindor-Ward Piano & Organ Company used to come to the Copper Country Mall and Gerry would sit for hours playing their organs as demonstrations or just to entertain the people walking around the mall. Folks were amazed at this man playing without any sheet music. Little did they know that he had it all memorized. Some people even requested a specific song and Gerry would just start playing it. He says he was never stumped on a request.
Gerry retried from E.B. Holman in 1993, not because he was tired of teaching, but because of the government demands that he would be required to follow. They were insisting that he have an aide in his classroom, which he had been fighting against for a few years. His thinking was “if you have to pay two people to do one person’s work, what good is that.” Gerry loved teaching and watching the student grow with knowledge, but he was again faced with the fact that the state didn’t feel a disabled person could do the job alone.
After retirement, Gerry and Claire were able to spend more time at the camp. They enjoyed taking boat rides around Lake Lac LaBelle, campfires, fishing, entertaining and just great peace
5
and quiet. Due to unfortunate circumstances in 2010, Debbie and Gerry were unable to enjoy the camp as Gerry lost ownership of the cabin. That was a really hart blow for Gerry, and I honestly feel that his health issues began to deteriorate with that loss. On a brighter side, Gerry had a beautiful pontoon boat that was managed by our dear friend Curtis. Curtis would take us up and down the canal when the weather permitted. Unfortunately, for two straight summers we were only on the pontoon once or twice each summer because of the wind/weather conditions. Gerry must have had some special protection when on the pontoon because with each ride everyone but Gerry got wet. It was great fun.
Gerry was very community oriented. Here are a few of the organizations he belonged to: member and very active in the Stanton Schools PTO; member of the Keweenaw County Board, acting as chairman to help bring low income housing to the Keweenaw; ran the Keweenaw Park Resort for many years; member of the Keweenaw Lions Club and then transferring to the Houghton Club. He has been a Lion member for over 30 + years, serving as King Lion for 19 of those years. He was one of the originators that helped get the Community Action Food Bank established and served on their board. He also served on the Community Action Board, being President these past 3 years. Gerry served on the Health Department Board helping to develop a program for bringing jobs for the youth to our area.
Surely there are other stories that could be told and many lives that have been touched by this amazing man. Other than getting his education, Gerry never did anything for himself. He was always thinking of how he could help others. Having grown up with this handicap, he tried very hard not to bring attention to himself or let his blindness be a distraction to anyone. But since age 5, Gerry was determined not to let his blindness beat him and that he’d help others with disabilities learn to succeed. . Yes, he didn’t have sight, but he had so much more. Better hearing, touch, sense of smell, arms and legs that worked, and of course him fantastic mind, memorization and sense of humor, Most of all even though he wasn’t shown love as a child, Gerry had lots of love to give.
Through this glimpse of Gerry’s life, I hope you get a feeling of what he went through to become the man that many loved and respected. As a child, he told his parents “I wasn’t meant to be blind but it’s not going to beat me.” Gerry finally lost all of his sight, age 18, and would spend the rest of his life in total darkness. This would be devastating to most of us but not Gerry. He said “God has a plan for my life and would help me accomplish whatever lies before me.” When Gerry chose to enter Hospice, he said “God has been so good to me and now it’s time to go home.”
Gerald Stefanich (Gerry) (Mr.S.) {My Love} you are loved and will be dearly missed
Debbie and All those whose life you have touched!

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Gerald Albert "Gerry" Stefanich, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.