Local 4 Indiana/Kentucky Retiree John “Charlie” Gerstle Honored for 75 Years of Service

JOURNAL: ISSUE 1 - 2012

At right, Local 4 IN/KY retiree Charlie Gerstle with his 75-year service plaque next to Local 4 President Ted Champ, who holds the 75-year plaque that had been presented to Charlie’s father, Frank, a BAC stone mason, in 1973.

In July 2011, Local 4 IN/KY retiree John “Charlie” Gerstle was honored for his 75 years of dedicated service to BAC with the presentation of his 75-year plaque by Local 4 President Ted Champ and Field Representative Bill Clark.

Before the presentation photograph was taken, however, Brother Gerstle insisted on going to his basement to retrieve a special piece BAC memorabilia to pose with – the 75-year plaque that had been presented to his father, Frank, a BAC stonemason, in 1973.

As the son of a Union craftworker and longtime member himself, Brother Gerstle appreciates the benefits of being a BAC member and encourages the next generation to join the Union. “The Union provides a voice for all working families,” he said.

Retired in 1990, brother Gerstle still serves his community with his “never-run-out-of gas” attitude, as reflected in his volunteer work on behalf of the Little Sisters of the Poor, a non-profit organization dedicated to caring for the elderly.