Gerald William Garrett Sr.

GARRETT, Gerald Sr. October 16, 2024. Age 85. Beloved husband of Joan for 61 incredible years. Loving father of Lauri (Doug) Sherry, the late Jeffrey (Charlene), and the late Gerald Jr. Proud and adored grandfather of Brett (Kali), Lauren, Jerry, and Nicole. Dear brother of Kathie (Tom) Smith and Robert. Also survived by many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his sisters Donna (Jerome) and Barbara (Kenneth). Gerald Sr, better known as Jerry, or Jer Bear, was a man who lived everyday with no regrets. He always worked hard and never took life too seriously. From a young age, he was already pushing himself and staying busy. He sold Kool Aid, shined shoes, was as a golf caddy and then eventually became a butcher with Stahls Market, Wrigley’s, A & P, Great Scott, and Farmer Jack. He was a butcher for 35 years and loved his job. In 1961, he met his wife, Joan, and knew from the beginning that she was the one. They married in 1962 and created a beautiful family. Once he retired from being a butcher, he certainly didn’t slow down. He continued to be a true entrepreneur. He started pulling grapevines and making wreaths out of them with his wife that would add decorative touches. They started going to craft shows to sell their beautiful creations. He quickly started making more and more things, like bird houses and flower baskets. He also made yo-yo balloons and sold them at the Armada Fair for many years. Eventually, he started going to farmer’s markets with a hot dog stand and later started selling produce. Soon, he became “the veggie man.” He worked at local farmers markets in Michigan and Florida and hardly ever turned down the chance to make a sale. Jerry continued doing markets until he was 84 years old because never liked to sit still and was always looking for his next adventure. Jer was always busy and the life of the party. He was easy to talk to, had jokes to tell, skits to put on, and great food to make. There was never a dull moment when he was in the room. He played softball, bocci ball, and enjoyed playing cards and dominos. He was known for his “Jer burgers” and “Papa’s chicken” Aside from work, he was a great family man. He always made time to support his wife and children. He was a doting father, even if that meant he had to hide in the bushes to watch sports practices. This remained true when he became grandfather. He wanted nothing more than for his grandchildren to be happy and to succeed. He was so proud to be “papa.” He was a proud Native American and a member for the Redcliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians. Jer will always be remembered as a loving, generous, funny, hardworking, selfless, and strong man. He was a perfect example of how to live life. Jerry will be dearly missed by so many, but his legacy will remain. Giga-waabamin menawaa (I will see you again) Visitation Sunday from 4-8pm at Wujek - Calcaterra & Sons Inc., (Shelby) 54880 Van Dyke at 25 Mile Rd. Funeral Monday Instate from 9:30am until time of 10am Mass at St. Therese of Lisieux Parish, 48115 Schoenherr Rd., Shelby Township, 48315. Interment, Resurrection Cemetery. Please share memories with the family at their online guestbook at WujekCalcaterra.com

Gerald William Garrett Sr.

September 10, 1939 - October 16, 2024