Jerald “Jerry” A. Doll, 84, of Mio, MI, passed away Saturday, April 20th, at his home.
Jerry was born in Lupton, Michigan on December 12, 1939, to Bernice (Blackledge) Narloch and Adam Doll. After graduating from T.L. Handy High School, Bay City, with the Class of 1958, he married his sweetheart Patricia Aymor,in Owosso, Michigan in 1963. The couple moved to Grand Ledge where they started their family. They were married for fifty years, having three daughters, eight grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.
Jerry joined the National Guard in 1963. He served during the Detroit riots of 1967. He left service with the rank of 1st Lieutenant, having earned many accolades including expert marksmanship certifications. Jerry went on to work as a Die Design Engineer for Oldsmobile and then General Motors for over thirty years, retiring as the Head Engineer of the Sheet Metal Division in Lansing. In this position, he worked with surrounding businesses as a buyer for GM. during this same time period, he taught night classes in Drafting, Mathematics, and Plastic Injection Molding at Lansing Community College. He received the title of longest serving adjunct professor by the time he retired. You couldn’t go anywhere in the U.S. without meeting someone who knew him. He loved making a positive impact and helping young people through his work as a teacher and setting a good example with his personal life. He also was a member of the Mio United Methodist Church and their Men’s Club.
In addition to working at Oldsmobile and LCC, Jerry farmed two hundred acres of land in Eagle, Michigan. He was always passionate about farming and growing things. His other passions included dirt bike riding, drag racing, and steam engine locomotives. Over the years, Jerry owned dozens of roadsters, hotrods, and cars; which often led him to needing bail money.
Jerry is survived by his children: Donnalee (Bill) Pontius, Jennifer (Tim) Volk, and Pamela (John) Heintz; his sisters: Candy (Ron) Mitchell and Renee (Steve) Rothlein; his brother Randy Doll; his grandchildren: Joseph (Ariel) Pontius, Tyler (Samantha) Volk, Shelby (Ken) Bauer, Joshua Volk, Angela Pontius, Emma Volk, Jacob Heintz, and Zachary Heintz; and his great-grandchildren: Willow Wurschmidt, Eliabeth Reed, Charlotte Volk, William Pontius, Asmund Volk, and Ember Bauer; and his beloved beagle “Zep”. He was preceded in death by his wife Patricia, his parents Bea (Blackledge) Narloch and Adam Doll, his sister Judy Benac, and his brother David Narloch.
Visitation will be held on Friday April 26, 2024 at the Mio United Methodist Church, Mio, Michigan, from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM, with the Funeral Service beginning at 1:00 PM with Rev. Paula Timm-Potrykus officiating. In accordance with Jerry’s wishes, cremation will follow the service.
Memorial donations may be made to Huron Pines Conservancy (www.huronpines.org); a hands-on conservation organization ensuring clean water, protected places and vibrant communities within Northeastern Michigan.
These arrangements were handled by Lashley Funeral Home, Mio, Michigan.
