Gerald L. Meyers' Obituary
Gerald L. Meyers, age 96, of New Era, Michigan, was welcomed into Heaven on June 5, 2025. He was born in Fremont, Michigan on May 21, 1929, to Elmer and Truda (Lummen) Meyers, and he married the former Florence Heetderks on August 3, 1949, in Fremont. They did life together for 75 years, a journey that brought both of them great joy and supplied countless treasured memories.
Gerald’s family moved to New Era in 1937 when his father purchased the “All Service Garage”, which was later renamed “Snyder and Meyers”. Gerald graduated from Shelby High School in 1947. Following training at General Motors Institute in Flint, Michigan, and his marriage to Florence, he entered the family business as a second-generation car salesman along with his brother, Mike, and they eventually took over the reigns as owners of the business. Gerald and Mike grew the business and saw it through many changes until it eventually became the Chevrolet dealership it is today. Gerald was active in his local business community and the New Era Chamber of Commerce and took wonderful care of his community. His family often referred to him as the “unofficial mayor of New Era”, a nod to his leadership and the great respect he earned as he selflessly gave of his time, energy, and resources to better the community he loved.
Gerald and Florence welcomed four children into the world, instilling in them a legacy of faith that has continued into the next generations. A fervent supporter of Christian education, Gerald was blessed to watch his four children and eleven grandchildren graduate from local Christian schools, and his devotion to supporting those schools continued to the end of his earthly journey. Gerald and Florence enjoyed a lifetime of blessings, from raising their family in a quiet and beautiful small town, to travel and experiences abroad, and on to a retirement filled with special friendships and cherished time in Palm Springs during the winter months. Gerald was a member of New Era Christian Reformed Church, where he faithfully served as deacon and elder at various times throughout his life. He also devoted much time to serving on numerous boards and committees at the schools and in his community, including service on the Board of Directors for Oceana Bank for 22 years. While his accomplishments as a businessman and community leader were many, his greatest pride and joy in life was his family, and his happiest moments were those spent in their midst. He delighted in a noisy room filled with the people he loved the most. He lived big, and he loved big, and he never missed an opportunity to greet friends and strangers alike. Living in fellowship with others filled his cup.
Gerald will be forever cherished and remembered by his loving and devoted wife, Florence; his four children: Sheri (Roger) Doctor, Sindy (Steve) Broersma, Scott (Paula) Meyers, and Steve (Janet) Meyers; eleven grandchildren: Jason (Kaitlyn) Doctor, Kristen (Jason) Baker, Corey (Amy) Broersma, Jaime Broersma, Trevor (Mary Ellen) Broersma, Jennifer (Craig) Sytsema, Amy (Dexter) Weesies, Carli (Andrew) Sciba, Jeremy Meyers, Hannah (Christian) Alvarez, and Zach (Ashley) Meyers; fifteen great-grandchildren (with one more on the way); one great-great-grandchild; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother, Mike, and his sister, Phyllis.
Gerald radiated with gratitude throughout his lifetime, a message that daily resounded from his lips and made a lasting impression on his family and all who knew him. He frequently proclaimed this gratitude in his final days, sharing how blessed he felt. He knew the goodness of God, and for that, we, too, are grateful.
A funeral service to honor Gerald’s life and celebrate God’s faithfulness will be held at 1:00 p.m. Monday, June 9, 2025, at New Era Christian Reformed Church. Visitation will be held 1:00-3:00 p.m. Sunday, June 8, at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 S. Harvey Street, Norton Shores, MI 49444. Donations in his memory may be given to New Era Christian School. Sign the online guest book at https://www.sytsemafh.com.
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