Gerald LeRoy Showalter, 88, of Long Lake passed away Wednesday, May 3, 2023, at his home.
Gerald LeRoy Showalter was born in Alpena on December 8, 1934, to the late Augusta and Victoria (Dash) Showalter. He married the love of his life Shirley LaGraff on July 3, 1955. She preceded him in death on December 8, 1999. Jerry was a lifelong resident of Long Lake. He worked in the beer industry and was employed by Strohs, Homant and Zeiger Beverage as a long haul truck driver and later as a route salesman until he retired in 1993. He often took his wife and family with him on his long trips and later his sons on his route as summer helpers. His daughter always had a special place in his heart, and he referred to her as his “special angel”. He was an avid reader and sportsman. He loved spending time at his hunting camp and out on Lake Huron in his boat fishing for salmon. He had some successful years fishing in the Brown Trout Festival. He could fix just about anything and was somewhat of a MacGyver. He also enjoyed going to the casino and would often say he needed to go to “make some money”. Most recently, he found joy in watching the deer who came to eat in his front yard and taking a few spins around the neighborhood in his golf cart.
He is survived by his five children, Scott (Shere) Showalter, Keith Showalter, Brad (Denise Cooper) Showalter, Gregg (Jeanne) Showalter, Lori (Lorne) Paul; 8 grandchildren, Christopher Showalter, Andria Burrone, Kasandra Showalter, Cody Showalter, Ashley Showalter, Jeriann Bennett, Kristie “Krissy” Salter, Jarrett Paul; 16 great grandchildren; 1 great-great grandchild.
Mr. Showalter was preceded in death by his sister, Joan Rings.
Visitation will take place at the Bannan Funeral Home on Sunday from 2 p.m. until the time of the parish prayer service at 6 p.m. Visitation will continue on Monday at St. Anne Church of All Saints Parish from 10 a.m. until the time of the Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. with Rev. Tyler Bischoff officiating.
Interment: Holy Cross Cemetery
Memorials: All Saints of Alpena
