Gerrit J. Dobson

Gerrit J. Dobson, Sr., 85, husband of the late Joan M. (Bonsall) Dobson of Kimberton, PA passed away peacefully on Friday, April 19, 2024 surrounded by his children.

 Born on February 17, 1939 in Phoenixville, PA, Gerrit was the son of the late Joseph and Johanna (Kersbergen) Dobson.
 
One of his proudest accomplishments was serving in the United States Army from 1959 to 1962 and then served in the Reserves for the next several years. During his active duty tour, Gerrit was stationed in Berlin Germany guarding the Berlin Wall. For his service during the time spent in Berlin, he received the Army of Occupation Medal.  His favorite story to tell was of the Thanksgiving where his company was out on a mission and by the time they returned to base, all the special Thanksgiving fixings were gone and they were served “beanies and weanies” for dinner.  

He loved being around his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and he was always their biggest cheerleader during their various activities.  He was so proud of their accomplishments. Everyone at the children’s events always got to know “Grandpop” as he was a very sociable person and loved to be around people.  
 
Gerrit worked as a Maintenance Mechanic for Beacon Container, Mid-Atlantic Container, and Tagline, along with various other mechanic jobs in his earlier years. 
 
He was a life member of Kimberton Fire Company where he was an active Firefighter for 44 years attaining the rank of Deputy Chief. He recently was recognized for 70 years of membership.   Gerrit was also a life member of West End Fire Company, VFW Post 1564, and the American Legion Post 482.
 
After Gerrit’s retirement he was a volunteer for the Senior Circle at Phoenixville Hospital for many years until the program shut down during the pandemic.  He thoroughly enjoyed spending time with the staff at the hospital and helping out any way that he was able.  During this time, Gerrit also enjoyed traveling to Hawaii, Alaska, Germany, London and the Netherlands.  While in the Netherlands, he struck up a conversation with a passerby about how his mother came from Holland in her teen years.   The new friend knew the family and took him to the house to meet them.   Only Gerrit could find a new friend in a foreign country and find his way to relatives.  
 

Gerrit is survived by five children: Gerrit J. Dobson, Jr. husband of Cheryl; Monica wife of Karl Sheffer; Steven husband of Cheryl Dobson; Lori Groff; and Joan Marie wife of Anthony Kline. He also has 12 Grandchildren and 15 Great-grandchildren. He has four brothers and 1 sister: Robert wife of Shirley Dobson; John husband of Patricia Dobson; Kenneth husband of Karen Dobson; Richard Dobson; and Joanna wife of Kenneth Sheffer.
 
 He was preceded in death by his grandson, James Edward Dobson, brother, George Dobson, and sister, Constance Baker.
 
Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Funeral Service at Devlin - Gatcha Funeral Home, 517 S. Main Street, Phoenixville, PA on Thursday, April 25, 2024 at 11:00 am.
 
 A viewing will be in the funeral home on Thursday from 9:00am to 11:00 am.
 
In lieu of flowers contribution may be made to the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, PO Box 781352, Philadelphia, PA 19178-1352 or https://give2.chop.edu/give/241805/#!/donation/checkout