Gerald B. Pitcher's Obituary
Gerald Benjamin Pitcher, age 83, loving husband and father, went to be with the Lord on October 19, 2010. Gerald was born to Clede and Jennie (Peterson) Pitcher on June 27, 1927 in Evart, Michigan. He was one of thirteen children.
Mr. Pitcher married the former Doris Tierman on June 29, 1945 in Muskegon. Together they had five children. Gerald was a member of Grand Haven Church of the Nazarene where he loved to serve and worship the Lord. Together with his wife Doris they founded Grand Haven Jewelry in 1949, and he served as President of Michigan Retail Jewelers Association and as a Director of Peoples Bank and Trust. He was very active in the community and served on various boards. He also had many hobbies including fishing, jewelry design, NASCAR and automobiles, and he was an avid golfer and achieved his first hole in one at age 80. He loved spending time with his family and traveling, and he enjoyed spending his winters in Arizona.
He is survived by his wife of sixty-five years, Doris; five children: Dan (Janet) Pitcher of Muskegon, Linda (Mark) Lowe of Friendswood, Texas, Steve (Patti) Pitcher of Grand Haven, Karen (Rick) Bol of Grand Haven, Michael (Donette) Pitcher of Dothan, Alabama; thirteen grandchildren; fifteen great-grandchildren. He is also survived by a sister, Lois Jancha of St. Joseph; a sister-in-law, Maxine Kurtz; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, six brothers, five sisters, and four grandchildren: Kirt Bratherton, Eric Bol, Brandon Hesse, and Stefanie Bol. Gerald was known as a kind and gentle man who was always willing to help. He touched the lives of many people and will be greatly missed.
The funeral service for Mr. Pitcher will be at 11:00 AM Friday, October 22, 2010 at Grand Haven Church of the Nazarene with Pastor Gary Reiss officiating. Friends may meet the family from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. on Thursday at VanZantwick Bartels Kammeraad Funeral Home in Grand Haven. Interment will be in Lakeshore Cemetery. Memorial contributions to Grand Haven Church of the Nazarene are appreciated. Share memories with the family at their online guestbook at www.vbkfuneralhome.com.
The family is being served by VanZantwick Bartels Kammeraad Funeral Home of Grand Haven.
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