Gerald "Abe" Bestrom

Gerald  " Abe " Bestrom age 75 of Hastings died Tuesday April 3, 2012.

He was born February 27, 1937 in Sparta , Michigan , the son of Lawrence and Hazel (Passage) Bestrom.

He attended Caledonia High School . Abe worked at Keeler Brass in Grand Rapids for many years .and Bradford White in Middleville. After a man told him he looked like Abe Lincoln he soon grew a beard and at the age of 51 he hit the road in his RV painted like a log cabin, visiting 26 states , many schools  and senior citizens to rekindle the era of Abe Lincoln. He  was an Abe Lincoln presentor in Branson, Missouri for the Music Festival  for more than 2 years, he won many National Abe Look alike awards in Illinois. He was a presentor of Abe Lincoln in the movie Conspirator with Robert Redford. He loved saw playing and won many National Awards . He also enjoyed singing in the trio group Hallelujah  Jubilairs .  He was former member of Middleville Baptist Church where he was very active in Children's ministry for more than ten years.

He is survived by his children , Patty (Mark) Wentzel ,  Dan Bestrom , and Ivan (Pamela)Bestrom  all of Florida, 2 grandchildren Nicholas and Sarah, twin brother , Harold  (Thelma )Bestrom , brother , David (MaryAnn) Bestrom , sister Chrystal (Clifford) Blain, special friends Maxine McIntyre , Gerald Gieseler, Marian Rupright-Peltz, Dan and Gladys Everett., Carolyn Bird , Audrey Fletcher , Bob Mueller , and many other friends in Florida.

He was preceded in death his parents brother Orlin Bestrom and sister Garnet VanLaan.

Visitation:
1 hour prior to service
Bible Missionary Church

Funeral Service:
Tuesday April 10, 2012 @ 1:00 PM
Bible Missionary Church
315 E. Marshall St.
Hastings,MI
Brother Blaine Shaw