Jerome “Jerry” Coger, age 65, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 11, 2018, at McLaren Northern Michigan Hospital in Petoskey.
He was born December 11, 1952, in Flint, Michigan, to Coval “Roy” and Grace (Malfa) Coger. He attended Mancelona High School and went on to serve in the U.S. Army. He worked the early part of his career in the oil field industry, but was most dedicated to his life of faith and community service. Jerry was passionate in his work at the Otsego County Food Pantry to help people, but also to encourage others to get involved. Many of you who knew Jerry experienced his kind heart, quick wit, and most definitely a laugh.
Jerry is survived by his partner Nancy Milbocker; daughter Christina; son David (Carolyn); grandchildren Annika and Kira; brothers Daniel, Patrick (Sharon), Michael (Nancy), Thomas (Roxy), and Brian (Miki); sisters Karen, Marti (Don), and Michelle; many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, wife Tricia, brothers Jim, and Al, and sister-in-law Barbara.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday (Nov 16) at St. Mary Cathedral at 11:00 am. Family will greet friends beginning at 10:00 am. A celebration of Jerry, to laugh, grieve, and provide fellowship to one another will follow in the cathedral hall.
In lieu of flowers, please consider volunteering your time or making a financial contribution to the Otsego Community Food Pantry.
Arrangements were entrusted to Nelson Funeral Home and Cremation Service, P.O. Box 1548, Gaylord, MI 49734.
22 comments on “Jerome “Jerry” Coger”
Christina and David, we are so sorry to hear about your dad. He was a great neighbor and friend and will be greatly missed.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Joe and Micki
Dave and Carolyn and Kristine: we are so sad to hear of Jerry’s passing. Your Dad will always have a special place in our hearts- and we offer our deepest sympathies to you and your families. Rich Mitchell/ Sharon Davis
I’m so sorry Christina.
Christina, David & Nancy,
Phyllis and I are so sad to hear about your Dad, Jerry. You all have our deepest sympathies. So sorry we only got to see him once this summer.
He was always so busy or not feeling well.
Love, Phil & Phyllis Wineland
Your Dad had a huge heart and love for his fellow man. It was a pleasure working with him at United Way We have truly lost an amazing man Our deepest sympathy to all of you. Praying for you Sincerely Kim Richardson
I am so sorry to hear about Jerry passing, he was a good man.
To Jerry’s family , know that you are in our prayers and have our deepest sympathy. Jerry will be missed. God Bless,
Dear Christina and David,
We are so sorry to hear this news. Jerry’s rembrance will always live on! He was incredible, optimistic and always had a smile! We met he and Tricia just after my own liver transplant…. he always reminded me to smile and look ahead. Keep smiling and look ahead.
David, Chrissy and family, so very sorry to hear about your Dad. He was such a nice guy and a great neighbor! So kind hearted. We’re gonna miss him! Thinking of you all during this difficult time and sending Sympathy Hugs! Kathy and Terry Avenall, Shannon, Megan and Lucas.
David, Chrissy and family. I’d just like to build on what my mom stated above. Your dad was a wonderful, kind hearted man. I can remember sitting at Lucas graduation party talking to him. Or even younger memories of your dog And just coming over to throw her ball and play fetch! Jerry always let me sit on the swing too! 🙂 Much love and prayers to all of your family during this heart breaking loss. I will not be able to attend services but plan to make a donation to the food pantry in lieu of flowers.
We’re so sorry for the family’s loss. You are all in our prayers!
Mike and Sherry Castle
I knew Jerry from the Food Pantry and what a great job he did! He will be missed. I’m so sorry to hear about his death. You’re in my thoughts and prayers.
Dear, Christina, David and Family,
I am so very sorry for your loss. Jerry was a brother to me for many years. I appreciated his humor, his willingness to fight his disease, and that he spoke the truth in many situations. I am glad He is with Trisha now, and this suffering is gone. We lost touch a few years ago but I will never forget him. I am a better person for knowing him. God bless you all and you are in my prayers.
Christina and David and family, I wish so much I could be there to give you the biggest hugs. Your dad was a special brother in law to me and Louie, and I will miss him deeply. I hope and pray you will find comfort and peace and be surrounded by those you love. God bless you!
I was blessed to have crossed paths with Jerry a few years ago when my sister Darla Edwards introduced me to Jerry. I loved his dry sense of humor, always made me laugh out loud! I will always cherish the time I spent with Jerry and the Organ Donation pin that I wear proudly still that he gave me.
He was such a generous, kind soul and Heaven is a funnier place now that Jerry has joined the ranks of the saints.
My deepest sympathy to his family for your great loss!
Sincerely,
Marla Ohrmundt
Oh, Jerry, you never failed to make me laugh. I’m going to miss that! My heart goes out to you Christina, David and Carolyn. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Nancy, I hope to meet you some day. Thank you for making my brother in law’s last years happier.
Christina and David, I am so so very sorry for your loss. Sending love, hugs, and prayers from Florida!!
~ Tessa and family
Christina,David &family, your dad was always happiest when he was helping others, whether it was at the Food Pantry, or any other community involvement. He will truly be missed and remembered as a kind, caring individual. May he rest in peace🙏 John & Darlene Hendrickson
Jerry was a great partner promoting the food bank to feed the less fortunate. His smile was contagious and he always talked with a positive tone. The community lost a great leader but he is now on to his next journey. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone that knew this humble and gracious man.
Christina & David we where so sad to hear of Jerry’s passing. We are praying for you guys & know now Jerry is pain free with Aunt Tricia.
Jeff, Julie & the Ohio Barkers
Chris & David, we are so sorry to hear of your loss. Jerry was such a special guy and he will be missed by the whole community. It’s a wonderful tribute to choose the Food Pantry as a memorial beneficiary. He would be proud. God bless you both.
Christina, David and Family, We were so sad to hear about your dad. To say that Jerry was one of the best, just doesn’t seem enough. He was truly a remarkable person, and very caring , in everything he did. We have so many memories to cherish of all of us together, from when we lived in Michigan. Sending lots of prayers and hugs to y’all. In lieu of flowers, we are sending a donation to the food pantry. We are so sorry for your loss.
Love, Eddie, Pat, Glyn, and Adam Smith