Gerald George “Jerry” Charles, age 75, of Gaylord, Michigan, passed away at his home on March 17, 2023.
He was born on December 18, 1947, in Escanaba, Michigan, to George and Anna (VanMeighem) Charles.
Gerald grew up on his family’s dairy farm in Cornell, Michigan. After graduating from high school, Jerry was drafted into the Army for the Vietnam War. Once he was out of the Army, he trained to become a journeyman lineman, it was his life’s work until he was electrocuted, with multiple injuries in 1982.
In 1988, he moved from the U.P. to the Gaylord area where he started farming. Over time, this was when he got the idea to open a ‘handicap hunting camp’ in 1999.
Jerry’s passion was his family, and being on his ranch, either just riding around, or hunting for both animals and mushrooms. He loved to watch the youngsters of today enjoying his passion for the outdoors.
He is survived by his children, Catherine (Ken) Newell, Joseph Charles, and Travis Larsen; grandchildren, Summer (Chad) Traub, Curtis Newell, Blake Newell, Faith Newell, Devon Charles, and Violet Charles; great-grandsons, Brody Traub and Thomas Teets; his ex-wife, Patricia Larsen; and siblings, Fred Charles, Andy (Linda) Charles, Donald Charles, Rosemary Charles, and Jim Charles; also brother-in-law, Robert Taipala.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; and his sister, Geraldine “Geri” Taipala.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, March 26, 2023, from 12:00 p.m.- 4:00 p.m. at the Nelson Funeral Home, 135 N Center Ave., Gaylord, MI, 49735.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to a youth hunting program of your choice.
Arrangements were entrusted to Nelson Funeral Home and Cremation Service, P.O. Box 1548, Gaylord, MI 49734.
10 comments on “Gerald G. Charles”
To Jerry’s family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I feel like I’ve known him all my life. I had great respect for him. He was a super hero in my eyes. I am truly saddened by his passing. I will miss him. I am so glad I got to visit with him last summer. Please know that I will be thinking of you all on Sunday. I would love to be there, we have company coming in that weekend. Sending prayers and warm hugs to you all.
Jerry, I will miss you. I’ll never have great maple syrup again.
Love to you all.
Rest peacefully my friend.
Joe & Family, We didn’t know your dad very well. But what we do know is, he treated our son as his own for many years, as well as others.
You are in our prayers as you navigate this journey.
Charlie & Karen Holborn
I worked for Jerry for several years and he was always a great person. He will be missed by a lot of people. I always called him a dear friend. Fly high, my friend.
I will miss seeing him drive by the shop in his pickup! R.T.
I will miss your Dad driving by in his pickup. R.T.
So sorry to hear of Gerald’s passing. I am a cousin from Gladstone, MI. Even though I haven’t seen or heard from him in years, I would think about him.
Ilene Solis
I am sorry to hear of Jerry’s passing. He is a former brother in law of mine and we often had great times. My sympathies go out to Cathy and Joe and their children. I am sure you guys will greatly miss him…My love to you both, Aunt Barbe
Joe and Family,
I didn’t know your Father, however after reading about him, sounds like he had a wonderful life, love of living, love of family and a strong desire to never give up. Thank you for your service to the country and community. Deepest sympathies to the family. May God be with you all during this difficult time.
Dan Phillips
A man of so many strengths, strong mind and Will! Hardest worker, nothing stood in his way . So many memories, great talks outside the Sparr mall while Phyllis got the Strohs & Bush Beer! I miss him calling us all a bunch of dumb ———- EMUs !!!!! No man had a Stonger mind & will Sparr will miss buddy!!
I want to say I am so sorry to his family. Some of my best memories were made at this property. I enjoyed spending time with him and doing what I love to do. He will be missed.