GERALD BOURGEOIS Obituary: Lafourche Parish, La. Submitted by: Louis Lavedan Source: Daily Comet, Thibodaux, Lafourche Parish, La. 25 Aug 2005 ********************************************** Copyright. All rights reserved. http://usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://usgwarchives.net/la/lafiles.htm ********************************************** NOTES: 1. The date preceding the obituary is the date of posting on the WWW, not the date of death. ================================ August 23. 2005 12:45PM Gerald Bourgeois [Photo] Gerald Paul "T-Boy" Bourgeois, 84, a native of St. Charles Community and resident of Thibodaux, died at 7:30 a.m. Aug. 20, 2005. Visitation will be 10 to 11 a.m. Friday at St. Joseph Life Center in Thibodaux. A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday at the center. He was preceded in death by his parents, Fergus and Elisia Thibodeaux Bourgeois; sisters, Blanche Meisler, Edith Gingles and Lilly Delaune; brothers, Whitney "Bob" and Adam "Frenchie" Bourgeois. He was a World War II veteran and served with the 89th Infantry Division of the U.S. Army. He donated his body to science. Donations to the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars are preferred. August 25. 2005 11:31AM Gerald Bourgeois [Photo] Gerald Paul "T-Boy" Bourgeois, 84 years of age, a native of the St. Charles Community and a resident of Thibodaux, died at 7:30 a.m., Aug. 20, 2005. He was a Veteran of World War II, serving with the 89th Infantry Division of the U.S. Army. He was a mortarman and literally walked across Europe from the beaches of France to the border of Czechoslovakia. Unmarried, but loved by all, he grew up on a farm and developed a special skill for that occupation. During his troop's assembly in Normandy, France, he observed farming being conducted on the perimeter of his troop unit and could not resist meeting the farm workers. This being accomplished, he volunteered his spare time in helping to farm. The owner of the farm was so impressed that Gerald was invited to his home for dinner. Speaking fluent French, with a Parisian accent, he felt right at home. You guessed it; he fell in love with the farmers daughter,. Michlein. And, she with him. When the World War II conflict was over and he was back home, marriage was the thought, but his mother did not like the prospect of him marrying a foreigner, and Michlein's parents did not relish the thought of their daughter marrying a Yank. In the year 1999 the 89th Division Reunion was planned as a re-invasion of Europe. Flying to London, crossing the English Channel and embarking on buses on the beach at France, the former soldiers motored across Europe on the very same route they marched and saw combat, halting their journey and recounting their encounters in conflict at every opportunity. This provided a catharsis for many who had before, not been able to speak of their horrible experience until now. One of the most harrowing encounters was the Battle of the Bulge. Hostilities of the war were wearing down and little resistance was encountered. However, the Germans had retreated and re-grouped with all of the reserve power remaining. The troops were taken by surprise and for 48 hours were pinned down by 88 mm gunfire with explosions occurring by the minute. One of the soldiers remarked: "If I could have taken the buttons off of my jacket to get closer to the ground, I would have." However, you couldn't raise up to dig a foxhole for fear of being hit. Private Bourgeois saw his best friend cut in two by an 88mm shell. Gerald prevailed and returned home to farming in the St. Charles Community. Looking for greener pastures, he left farming and pursued numerous vocations through the succeeding years. His ability as an extremely good cook lead him to open a snack shop. Later he operated a gift store and subsequently became a furniture salesman. As he aptly put it during an interview; the question was asked, "to what do you contribute your success as a salesman?" He replied, "I am a communicator." Seeking more permanent employment, he applied for a job at Nicholls State University and became a custodian in the athletic department. Upon learning of his skill at cooking, officials cajoled him into preparing many meals at athletic gatherings. After completing 12 years of employment at NSU, he was recognized for devotion to his job and received the Maimie Bourgeois Memorial Award as outstanding civil service worker for the year 1985. Upon his retirement, he traveled extensively and attended frequent reunions of the 89th. Division throughout the United States. Becoming restless with retirement, he again entered the world of work and accepted a job at Madewood Plantation in Napoleonville. No, not as a farmer, but as tour guide and French interpreter. He especially loved by French visitors, with whom he could freely converse, making many long term friends. Being reared on a farm, he could recount the experience of plantation farm life first hand. As he toured, visitors asked many questions. One of his favorite questions to answer was, "How many hours per day did farmers work on the plantation?" His answer was "from can see to can't see." One year ago Gerald planned to attend the last reunion of the 89th in Washington, D.C. He was feeling well and anxious to visit with his buddies for the last time. Although his vision did not require the use of glasses, he wanted to be certain that he could see well on the trip and scheduled a visit to the Veterans Administration Hospital for an examination. Preliminary examination revealed a slight infection but the ophthalmologist insisted he have a thorough physical checkup before medical prescription was ordered. Having done so, when he returned to the ophthalmologist he was told to immediately seek medical attention for his failing kidneys, for if he did not, he had only six weeks to live. He beat the odds by nine months and continually praised the VA medical Staff for their diagnosis and advice. Upon returning to Thibodaux he sought medical attention and was advised to seek assisted living. He entered residence at St. Joseph's Manor for his fundamental living requirements. After several months of joyful experience at St. Joseph's, he became unable to care for himself and was admitted to Thibodaux Health Care facility. He resided there under the care of St. Joseph's Hospice until his demise. Continual praise and thanks were voiced by him for the kindness and loving care provided by all facilities and individuals concerned. Bon voyage, Gerald. I know you made it. Having no children, he was devoted to and survived by nieces: Mary Anne Hoffmann, Elsie DeVries, and Dorothy Wiltz; nephews, Dr. William Delaune and Michael Bourgeois; grand nieces, Ann Floyd, Patty Lamberton, Mary Lynn Grisham, Margie Keyes, Laurie Ellen Waguespack, Kristie Lynn Meisler, and Julie and Jolie Bourgeois. Grand Nephews: Walter Wiltz III, Andrew Wiltz, and John Meisler Jr. He was preceded in death by his parents Fergus and Elisia Thibodeaux Bourgeois, sisters: Blanche Meisler, Edith Gingles, and Lilly Delaune. Brothers: Whitney "Bob" Bourgeois and Adam "Frenchie" Bourgeois. His devoted caregiver was Jill Cedotal. He donated his body to science. Remembrance in the form of donations to The American Legion and/or The Veterans of Foreign Wars are appreciated. A military memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday in The St. Joseph Life Center at Canal Boulevard and East 8th. Street with visitation commencing at 10 a.m.