Gerald L. "Jerry" Engle's Obituary
Gerald L. Engle died on June 8, 2020 of lung cancer (and maybe a bit of old age and overuse). He was born 10 December 1935 in Muskegon and was 84 years old at the end, happy to make it that far. Jerry was preceded in death by his wife, Mary M. (Riley), who in 2001 also died of lung cancer. Fortunately, Jerry is succeeded in life by his loving companion and best friend of many years Carol A. Thompson, son Eric (who prefers Rick) and his wife Petra, daughter Lisa Malabad (husband Luke), five magnificent grandchildren, (2) very promising great grandchildren, and 4 loving and compatible siblings, Dick, Jim, Sue and Kathy.
Jerry grew up in Muskegon, attending St. Joseph school and the first graduating class of Muskegon Catholic Central in 1954. After two years’ service in the U.S. Army, mostly in Germany, he returned to Muskegon, alternating employment and education at what was then Muskegon Junior College. Mary and Jerry married in 1958 and a year later moved to Western Michigan University, where Mary earned her PHT (Putting Husband Through) degree and Jerry graduated cum laude in 1961.
While just starting graduate school, Jerry joined the U.S. Department of State Foreign Service and moved to Washington D.C. in January 1962, at which time he underwent extensive training and took up his first “desk” job at State Department headquarters. From that point on, Jerry, Mary and their two kids spent the next 30 years at various exciting diplomatic posts abroad, including Switzerland; Bulgaria; Moscow; London; Istanbul and Munich. In between foreign assignment of 2 to 4 years, the family lived in the D.C. area, where Jerry held various positions supporting U.S. embassies, consulates, and other installations abroad. He and the family also spent two 1-year assignments studying foreign languages and cultures. Despite the excitement and professional satisfaction of these assignments, they did cause the family to move multiple times, and for the kids to attend 6 different schools in 10 years. And yes, for those of you who still wonder, Jerry also served for over 30 years as an operations officer for the Clandestine Services of the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency. That too was an exciting and rewarding part of his career and life.
Upon retirement, Jerry and Mary returned to Muskegon to join family and old friends. Recognizing both the beauty and the horrifying environmental conditions of the area’s lakes, rivers and wetlands, Jerry devoted the next several years trying to understand and combat those conditions, which involved leadership and membership in a number of environmental groups both locally and statewide. After finally retiring from these activities also, Jerry just enjoyed the rest of his time in beautiful Muskegon in fitness activities, bicycling, skiing, sailing and travel. He continued his interest in international affairs by taking several academic courses at Grand Valley University. And he was privileged to be a member of the Muskegon History Club. Most important of all, the enjoyable “retirement” activity was made possible and immeasurably enhanced by the loving friendship, support, emotional, and intellectual sharing of his dearest companion Carol.
Special thanks go to Pam and Kari from Harbor Hospice for their loving care. Please visit www.sytsemafh.com to sign the guestbook and leave condolences and memories of Jerry.
Due to the imminent threat of transmission of COVID-19, there will be no immediate service or Celebration of Life gathering of Jerry’s life. When the time is right and we feel collectively that it is safe, we will invite friends and loved ones to a celebration and remembrance of Jerry’s amazing life.
In lieu of flowers, friends may consider memorial contributions in Jerry’s name to Muskegon Catholic Central: muskegoncatholic.org/crusadeformcc, First Congregational Church, Muskegon Love Pantry: loveincofmuskegon.com/get-involved/donate/, or Harbor Hospice: harborhospicemi.org/ways-to-give/donate/.
Arrangements handled by The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 Harvey St, Norton Shores, MI 49444.
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