Gerald "Jerry" Smith's Obituary
Mr. Gerald “Jerry” Smith, age 91, of Grand Haven passed away Sunday, October 27, 2024, at Grand Pines Assisted Living Community. He was born December 3, 1932, in Grand Rapids, to Frank and Viola (VanderVries) Smith. On March 3, 2007, he married the former Hazel Steigenga at Second Christian Reformed Church.
Jerry served in the US Coast Guard and Reserves for 40 years. After graduating from MSU he taught and coached at Lowell High School. He enjoyed coaching football, basketball and golf. He then went into business management with several public schools until retirement from Jackson Public Schools. Jerry was a former member of Harvest Bible – West Olive and a current member of Second Christian Reformed Church, Lions Club, and the American Legion Post 28. He was active for many years with the Michigan School Business Officials (MSBO) and served as president in 1990. He served as the executive Director of the Coast Guard Festival for 9 years. He was instrumental in Gand Haven receiving the first designation of Coast Guard City USA in 1998. Jerry enjoyed golfing, mentoring, and getting together with family. Most of all he loved God, family, country, walking, and concerts, also he loved MSU football and basketball. GO GREEN!!
He is survived by his wife, Hazel; two children: Mike (Patty) Smith, Laurie (Don) LaBelle; stepchildren: Kim (Dean) Mesman, Kris (Steve) Sparling, Kendall (Patti) Steigenga; fourteen grandchildren; twenty great- grandchildren; brother, Frank (Jill) Smith. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Amy Stuart; brother, Judd Smith; and his wives, Pat Smith and Barbara Smith.
A funeral service will be 11:00 AM Saturday, November 2, 2024, at Second Christian Reformed Church with Rev. Tim Blackmon officiating. Visitation will be held 4-7 PM Friday, November 1, 2024, at The VanZantwick Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services. Interment will take place in Lake Forest Cemetery. Memorial contributions in memory of Jerry may be given to Love in Action or the Van Andel Institute for research. Please sign the family’s online guestbook at http://www.sytsemafh.com.
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