Jerry Vandeveer

Frankenmuth, MI

On Sunday, July 19, 2020 Jerry Lee Vandeveer passed away surrounded physically and virtually by his family.

As a preteen on a bike ride, Jerry announced his intention to wed Shirley Anne Royer "someday". And on August 25, 1955, she finally agreed. They enjoyed 64 years together; she survives him.

Four children and nine grandchildren were proud to call him "Dad" and "Grandpa". They are: Thomas Vandeveer, Frankenmuth; Steven and Jean (Urbaniak) Vandeveer, Elk Rapids and their children Sydney, Zach, and Josh; Kipp and Lynne (Vandeveer) Ivey, Marquette and their children Luke (Ellie), Noah, Nate and Becca; and Jeff and Carmen (Marcos) Vandeveer, St. Charles, Illinois, and their children Katie and Ryan.

Jerry was born to Albert and Ruth (Circle) Vandeveer on September 19, 1934. A brother, Donald Vandeveer, and many nieces and nephews survive him. He lived in and around Troy, Ohio until attending Ohio University in Athens, graduating with a BS degree in Agriculture. While there, he managed the football team, was president of the Beta Zeta chapter of the Phi Kappa Sigma fraternity and was a member of the 'the Bobcat wing' of Air Force ROTC. Upon graduation, Jerry entered the US Air Force and was a B-25 Mitchell bomber pilot and air traffic controller. He left the service in 1958 as a Captain.

In the private sector, Jerry was involved in agricultural pursuits his entire life working in positions as credit, marketing and general managers in companies like Agrico Chemical and Crop Production Services. He served his state and industry as president/director on numerous government and trade councils and boards. From 1991 to 1993, Jerry sat on the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago's Agriculture Advisory Council. He was a farmer at heart, but it wasn't until 1986 that he was able to get his hands dirty at his beloved "Vanderosa" where he enjoyed gardening, watching the deer, and keeping the pond stocked for his grandkids' and others' enjoyment.

A lifetime member and volunteer of the Boy Scouts of America, he served as scoutmaster and board member for numerous Frankenmuth troops, the Arrowhead Scout District and the Lake Huron Area Council. He received the District Award of Merit in 1977, the Silver Beaver Award in 1978 and was a member of the Society of George.

He endeavored to live out the Scouts' Oath and was indeed Trustworthy, Loyal, Courteous and Kind. He will be remembered as a man with a strict moral compass; he espoused to "do the right thing". Jerry was indeed always Prepared and was the kind of man who labored in the trenches to make sure the right resources were available, and consensus was built on the "where" and "what" and "how" of a project. His brand of leadership was not flashy or self-serving. He paid particular attention to the building of each person's character through the assigning and doing of the work. He will be remembered as a man who chose his words carefully and deliberately in order to encourage and teach in the best way possible..

Jerry also contributed to his community as a volunteer on the Frankenmuth Civic Events Council from 1980-1991 serving as Bavarian Festival president in 1983 and was devoted to the work of the Itty Bitty Clam and Lobster Fest committee of the Johnny Burke Children's Foundation. He was a member of the Frankenmuth Lions Club and the Frankenmuth United Methodist Church.

Due to circumstances brought about by the COVID-19 virus, the family will be holding a celebration of life on a future date. Arrangements entrusted to Cederberg Funeral Home of Frankenmuth.