Gerald “Jerry” Drake
September 16th, 1944 - April 17th, 2024
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Jerry's Obituary
Gerald “Jerry” Drake, 79 of South Haven passed away at home on Wednesday, April 17, 2024. Born on September 16, 1944 in Watervliet to John and Myrtle Drake. United in marriage to Linda Lou Remick on August 27, 1963.
Jerry is survived by his wife of 60 years Linda, daughter Karen (Julie Olson) Drake, grandchildren; Zachary Hanner and Jared Hanner. Also survived by siblings; Michael (Annette) Drake, Richard (Rita) Drake, Diana (Sandy) Teliak, Bob (Michelle) Drake, and Ken (Kay) Drake.
Preceded in death by his parents, stepmother Winnifred Drake and brother Joseph Drake.
Jerry graduated from L.C. Mohr High School in 1962, he then enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps where he served stateside as a teletype operator and secretary to a general. During this time, he married his high school sweetheart Linda and together they would have a daughter Karen. After his military service the couple settled in South Haven and Jerry became a supervisor for Everett Piano Company where he worked for the next 21 years. Jerry was a devoted husband and father, master woodworker, making beautiful grandfather and mantle clocks, curio cabinets and gliders. He and Linda were longtime members of Kibbie Christian Reformed Church where Jerry made the weekly church bulletins. Jerry also enjoyed photography and could be found taking numerous pictures in and around South Haven especially of the lighthouse and pier. Jerry loved animals namely his two cats; Sam and Kiki. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
Visitation for Jerry will be held at Kibbie Christian Reformed Church, 00479 CR 687, South Haven, Michigan 49090 on Tuesday, April 30, 2024 from 11 a.m. until the time of the Memorial Service at 12p.m. also at Kibbie Christian Reformed Church, Pastor Vern Swieringa and Pastor Gerrit Haagsma will Officiate. Military Honors will be accorded to Gerald at McDowell Cemetery following the Church service.
Please make donations to: Kibbie Christian Reformed Church or Al Van Humane Society. To view Jerry’s personal webpage please visit; www.starksfamilyfh.com Arrangements are entrusted to Filbrandt Chapel-Starks Family Funeral Homes and Cremation Services. 269-637-0333.
Jerry is survived by his wife of 60 years Linda, daughter Karen (Julie Olson) Drake, grandchildren; Zachary Hanner and Jared Hanner. Also survived by siblings; Michael (Annette) Drake, Richard (Rita) Drake, Diana (Sandy) Teliak, Bob (Michelle) Drake, and Ken (Kay) Drake.
Preceded in death by his parents, stepmother Winnifred Drake and brother Joseph Drake.
Jerry graduated from L.C. Mohr High School in 1962, he then enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps where he served stateside as a teletype operator and secretary to a general. During this time, he married his high school sweetheart Linda and together they would have a daughter Karen. After his military service the couple settled in South Haven and Jerry became a supervisor for Everett Piano Company where he worked for the next 21 years. Jerry was a devoted husband and father, master woodworker, making beautiful grandfather and mantle clocks, curio cabinets and gliders. He and Linda were longtime members of Kibbie Christian Reformed Church where Jerry made the weekly church bulletins. Jerry also enjoyed photography and could be found taking numerous pictures in and around South Haven especially of the lighthouse and pier. Jerry loved animals namely his two cats; Sam and Kiki. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
Visitation for Jerry will be held at Kibbie Christian Reformed Church, 00479 CR 687, South Haven, Michigan 49090 on Tuesday, April 30, 2024 from 11 a.m. until the time of the Memorial Service at 12p.m. also at Kibbie Christian Reformed Church, Pastor Vern Swieringa and Pastor Gerrit Haagsma will Officiate. Military Honors will be accorded to Gerald at McDowell Cemetery following the Church service.
Please make donations to: Kibbie Christian Reformed Church or Al Van Humane Society. To view Jerry’s personal webpage please visit; www.starksfamilyfh.com Arrangements are entrusted to Filbrandt Chapel-Starks Family Funeral Homes and Cremation Services. 269-637-0333.
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