Erma G. O'Rourke

Erma G. O’Rourke was born to Harry M. Grover and Grace Sarah (Lewis)  Grover on March 21, 1930.  She was a graduate of Vanderbilt Area Schools.

On July 6, 1947, she married the love of her life, Vincent E. O’Rourke.  They settled in Vanderbilt where they raised their eight children.  

Erma worked at Standard Products as a Hi-Low driver for 40 years, when she retired due to her husband’s poor health.  They owned and operated O’Rourke’s Gas Station and Wrecker Service in Vanderbilt and Wolverine.

In 2012 she moved to Gaylord, where she lived until her death.  Erma passed away on March 21, 2024, her 94^th birthday.  

She was many things to so many people, a business owner, a mother, grandmother, great grandmother, a great great grandmother, and a friend to many.  She loved people and loved telling stories about her life.

Erma is survived by her children, Susanne (John) Padgett, Les O’Rourke, Laurie (Richard) Simcek, Grace (Lenny) Wall, and Philip (Carrie) O’Rourke; 29 grandchildren; 67 great grandchildren; 33 great great grandchildren; a special friend, Sally Tolar; many more special friends and relatives that she loved dearly, including her grand dog, Buddy.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Vincent E. O’Rourke; sons, Larry, Dennis, and Cliff O’Rourke; a grandson, Jody O’Rourke; a granddaughter, Rene O’Rourke; a great granddaughter, Zoey Padgett and her mother, Sarah Padgett; and many other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Thursday, March 28, 2024, at Gaylord Community Funeral Home & Cremation Service where visitation will begin at 10:00 AM.  Burial next to her husband will take place soon at Resurrection Cemetery.   A luncheon will follow the service at Livingston Township Hall, 3218 Old 27 North, Gaylord, MI  49735

Those who wish are asked to consider memorial contributions to her family.  Please share your memories and personal messages with the family on the guestbook below.