Gerald Roy Sippola, age 75, of Gaylord, Michigan, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 14, 2022, at home.
He was born to Reino and Florence (Aho) Sippola on January 26, 1947, in Ishpeming, Michigan.
Jerry graduated from Negaunee High School in 1965. He went on to attend Northern Michigan University and received a bachelor’s degree in 1969, and later, a master’s degree.
He was a mold designer and instructor at St. Clair Community College. He was also a mold designer and manager at Pine River Plastics, in St. Clair, MI, and AMP Incorporated, in Winton-Salem, NC.
He was also an industrial arts teacher at Lincoln Consolidated Schools in Ypsilanti, Johannesburg-Lewiston Area Schools, and Negaunee High school. He retired from St. Clair Community College in Port Huron, Michigan, and from Pine River Plastics in St. Clair, in 2000.
Jerry was an NRA member and also a member of the Elks Lodge in Gaylord. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. He and his son, Jerald, spent many hours building and finishing their beloved “camp” in the Pigeon River. Jerry also enjoyed boating in Port Huron, with friends and family.
In 1989, he bought a cabin on Otsego Lake, where his family retired in 2000. Snowmobiling, golf, and Gus Macker basketball tournaments were enjoyed in his spare time.
Jerry was a master of all trades, woodworking, computers, automotive, building, and designing. He enjoyed sharing his knowledge with all ages.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, and his brother, Paul Sippola.
He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Mary (Brotherton) Sippola; son, Jerald Sippola of Gaylord; sister, Karen (Richard) Trewella of Lexington, SC, and many nieces and nephews.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, April 20, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary Cathedral, 606 N. Ohio Ave., Gaylord, MI, 49735 with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Jerry’s honor may be made to a charity of your choice.
Arrangements were entrusted to the Nelson Funeral Home and Cremation Service, PO Box 1548, Gaylord, MI 49734.
8 comments on “Gerald R. Sippola”
Mary, so sorry for the loss of your dear husband. Although it was too short seems he enjoyed and lived his life to the fullest. Treasure the memories!
Mary and Jerald – we are so sorry to hear of the passing on Jerry, husband and father. You have our prayers and thoughts at this time and in the future. Linda and I are thinking of you.
Good afternoon, Mary. I am shocked to hear of Gerry’s passing. He and I used to teach at Lincoln Consolidated High School at the same time. Plus, we graduated together. You also were in the same class. I just wanted to express my sympathies to you and tell you how sorry I am. Hopefully, you will find peace in your time of grief. Warmest regards, Susan Hill LaForest
Dear Mary, I’m so very sorry to hear of the passing of your wonderful husband. I know he will be missed. Please accept my condolences.
Blessings to you and your family, Donnette Robare
Mary, I m so very sorry to hear of Gerry’s passing he has now joined my beloved husband David Barber. They are busy hunting, fishing, and building together. He will be missed by anyone who knew him.
Mary,
We are sorry to hear of Gerry’s passing. There are many good memories of the years at Johannesburg-Lewiston High School. Peace be with you and your family.
Greg and Linda Arbogast
Dear Mary and Gerald, I am so sorry about Gerry’s passing. Gerry was so pleasant and amiable. It was always a pleasure working with your family over the years. We got our business done, solving whatever problems arose, and then we had time to laugh together as well. I will always have fond memories of you. God’s grace goes with you. Sincerely, John Panci
So sorry, Mary, for your loss. May God comfort you during this difficult time.