Jerry E. Abel

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Jerry E. Abel, 83, passed away at Aspen Ridge Retirement Home of Gaylord on October 20, 2018.

 

He was born in Remus, Michigan on June 29, 1935 to Herman and Ruth (May) Abel. The oldest of eight, he lived on a small farm where there was always room at the table should friends or family stop by. Social evenings always included a good game of cards, usually cribbage or pinochle.

 

Jerry graduated from Remus High School in 1953. He then attended Michigan State University.

 

Jerry met his wife, Corinne, on a blind date arranged by his sister, Martha, who was Corinne’s nursing school classmate. They were married on June 27, 1959 at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Bay City, Michigan.  They have been residents of Gaylord for the past  44 years.

 

Jerry was an avid hunter, fisherman, and general outdoor enthusiast. He enjoyed annual spring fishing trips to Canada and was thrilled to participate in elk hunts in the Gaylord area and Colorado. At age 50, he tried downhill skiing for the first time and added that to his list of regular endeavors. For Jerry, family always came first. He was not one to miss a family gathering. He was very supportive of and attended the various activities that his children participated in. He was adored by his grandchildren who will always remember him for his willingness to participate in their fun and games, his playful antics, his laughter, and his warm hugs.

 

Jerry was a member of St. Mary Catherdral parish where he served as a Eucharistic Minister. He was an active member of the Knights of Columbus for many years and is a past Grand Knight. He participated in many events and especially enjoyed calling bingo and assisting in the making of Polish sausage.

 

In 1997, Jerry retired from the Michigan Department of Agriculture after spending 35 years with the department. Upon retirement he received the degree of Honorary Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. After retirement he continued to enjoy his many passions and especially enjoyed traveling with friends and family to many scenic places.

 

The family wishes to thank Aspen Ridge Retirement Home staff for the care, friendship, and support they provided to Jerry and his family over the last two years and Hospice of Michigan for their guidance and care over the past few months.

 

Jerry is survived by Corinne, his wife of 59 years. His children Dan (Audrey), Bob (Carla), Karen (Jerry) Milatz, Maureen (Dave) Walczyk, and Brian (Lianne); his grandchildren Ben, Tom, Elizabeth, Sara, David, Jordan, Braeson, Hadley, Oliver and one due in January; brother, David (Joan); sisters, Mary (Hank) Wojcik, Joan (Mike) Carmody; and brother-in-law, Max Bott; and many nieces and nephews.

 

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Fred, Jim, and Ken; sister, Martha Bott

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at St. Mary Cathedral on Saturday, October 27, 2018 at 2:00 p.m.

 

Visitation will be held at the Nelson Funeral Home on Friday, October 26, from 4—8 p.m. Visitation will continue at St. Mary Cathedral on Saturday, October 27, from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service.  St. Mary Knights of Columbus will offer a rosary Friday evening (Oct 26) at 6:30 p.m.

 

Donations in Jerry’s honor may be made to St. Mary Cathedral School of Gaylord.

 

Arrangements were entrusted to Nelson Funeral Home and Cremation Service, P.O. Box 1548, Gaylord, MI 49734.

15 comments on “Jerry E. Abel”

  1. The news of Jerry passing comes with great sadness but with fabulous memories. Our families came together through our children and a wonderful neighborhood. May God Bless all who’ll mourn Jerry’s passing and celebrate his life on earth.

  2. Bill and Mary Ann

    Corinne and Family……….Know that all of you are in our prayers and thoughts, We will always remember the times we had together at parties and trips. Jerry always had an infectuous smile and was always kind. He will be missed by all. And, we are here for you if ever in need.

  3. Corinne, you and your family are in our prayers. Jerry was such a nice man, with a good sense of humor and a wonderful smile. He will be missed.

  4. Corinne, you and your family are in our prayers. Jerry was such a nice man, with a great sense of humor, and a wonderful smile. He will be missed.

  5. Our sympathies to you Corinne & your family – jerry had such a great smile our prayers go out to one & all, Dennis & Sharon Roberts

  6. Wesley Olds
    So sorry to hear of his passing, he was always a friend and had a kind word to me. I will always remember him at meetings of the Knights and was always amazed at him playing community basketball at his age, I always looked up to him and he will be missed. God Bless his family

  7. Corinne and family, my condolences go out to you and your family. Jerry was such a kind and gentle man, I never heard a negative remark about him. He always had a smile upon his face. I imagine our Lord was waiting to welcome him and had a special place reserved for him. May God grant you the peace to get through his loss and may God bless you at this very sad time.

  8. I first met Jerry, playing volleyball at the Community Center 40 years ago, he was one of the “Old Guys”. Now, I realize, he wasn’t that “Old”. Jerry was a soft spoken team mate the everyone got to know, love and respect, plus he had a great serve. Good Bye Jerry, your family and friends will all miss and remember you. God Bless. Tom Wagar

  9. He welcomed me at AR with an open smile, many hugs, jokes galore, naughty little winks and friendship and companionship as he visited me multiple times daily in my office. The facility will not be the same without him. Love from one of the multiple Sarah’s in his life. Prayers and blessings to his entire family.

  10. Jerry was my first cousin and godfather and the happiest memories of my childhood were of visiting Aunt Ruth and Uncle Turk and their ever-expanding family at that Remus farm with my mom, dad, sisters, and brothers. Much more recently, five of my sibs and I were able to be with Jerry and Corinne when they renewed their vows at their 50th wedding anniversary celebration in 2009. What a wonderful life of faith and love Jerry led! My deepest sympathies to Corinne, Danny, Bobby, Karen, Maureen, and Brian and their families. Love always, Ann Hobart

  11. I would like to express my deepest sympathies on the loss of your husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle.

  12. RICHARD SHAVINSKI CSA

    Corrine and family, Our prayers and condolences to your family. As I sit here in Remus, MI, remembering all the good time we had working bingo, and talking about Remus in the good old day’s. Dick & Becky Shavinski

  13. I remember fishing on Pine Lake with Jerry when the bass were numerous and large, or truthfully, I fished and Jerry rowed. Though almost 30 years my senior he refused to trade places or take turns. That is the kind of guy he was, he thoroughly enjoyed watching me catch fish. His joy was bringing joy to others.
    He was a great uncle and mentor.

  14. What a sweet man! My girlfriends and I always enjoyed our nights at bingo and Jerry was a big part of that. He always shared a kind word and great conversation before the calling began. Occasionally I would run into him at the post office and see his smile that made me do the same. Sending prayers of support and comfort to Jerry’s family. May he rest in perfect peace. God Bless.

  15. I’m so sorry to hear of Mister A’s passing…what a fun loving, kind man…and my little league days hold tons of fond memories of him! God Bless.

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