Gerald “Jerry” Anthony Ehinger, age 95, passed away peacefully Saturday, January 21, 2023, at home surrounded by loving family.
He was born on February 9, 1927 in West Branch, MI, to parents Anthony and Elizabeth (Winter) Ehinger, the youngest of 11 children.
Jerry was a lifelong resident of West Branch. He served in the US Army during WWII where he learned how to be an electrician. Those skills served him well as he transitioned to employment at Consumer Power after the war. Jerry was a member of the Knights of Columbus and umpired West Branch Little League for many years.
He was a proud member of the Ogemaw County VFW and was named Veteran of the Year in 2008. Jerry also was a lifelong member of St. Joseph Catholic Church.
Jerry was an active community member. His passion and purpose was doing acts of kindness for his family and others. He once said no day is complete unless you have helped another in some way.
Jerry married the love of his life, Joan Roller, after he met her when she was visiting West Branch from Los Angeles. When he and his brother Jack saw Joanie walking down Houghton Ave. he remarked to Jack, “I’m going to marry that girl”. Joanie went to be with the Lord 8 years almost to the day from when Jerry joined her.
Survived by his beloved children Jeri Davis (Neil), Catherine Lenchner (Jon), Susan Valerio (Rick), John, his niece Linda Ehinger who was like a daughter to him, and her former husband Terry Ehinger. Grandchildren Tayelor Valerio (fiancé Alexander Dawahare), Ali Valerio, Tori Lebanoff (Lance), Chase Valerio, Chad Davis, and Trevor Davis. He was excited that his first great grandchild is on the way. He also loved his kitty Squeak with whom he shared a bowl of cereal every morning.
He is preceded in death by his parents and his wife Joan aka his “little turtle dove”. His siblings in heaven, Marie, Roy, Donna, Doris, Fritz, Edward, Del, Aug, Jack, and William.
The family is so grateful to Compassus Hospice. Their help and comfort was beyond measure.
Visitation at Steuernol & McLaren Funeral Home in West Branch will begin on Tuesday, January 24, 2023 from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with a rosary at 7:00 p.m. On Wednesday, January 25, 2023, visitation will begin at St. Joseph Catholic Church in West Branch at 10:00 a.m. until the time of the veteran service at 10:45 a.m. The funeral mass will follow at 11:00 a.m. Father Nick Cooper will officiate.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Joseph Catholic School in West Branch.
Online condolences can be shared at www.steuernolmclaren.com
