Gerald "Jerry" Patterson

Gerald “Jerry” Patterson, passed away August 10, 2023 on his 90th birthday. Born in Traverse City to the late Arlie and Hope (Boone), he was one of four children. Jerry served in the US Army during the Korean War. Jerry was a hard working man who valued family and enjoyed spending time together. On November 7, 1959, he married the love of his life, Genevieve Sedlacek, at St Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Gills Pier. Early in their marriage, they resided in Lansing, Michigan, where Jerry worked in a manufacturing plant, John Beam. In 1969, after their five children were born, they relocated to Omena and later to Suttons Bay, where their present home is. It was there that they raised their five children: Patrick, Joe, Bob, Mary, and Mark. While he was a strict father, he loved his family deeply. He was a man of integrity and honesty and raised his children to be the same. He provided for his family by working at Peninsula Asphalt, basically being the jack of all trades. Once retired from Peninsula Asphalt, he was a maintenance man with the condo association in Suttons Bay. Jerry loved to hunt, fish, and bowl with his buddies. He enjoyed cooking and baking, with bread being his specialty, but he could make an excellent carrot cake too! He enjoyed a game of golf once in a while. He also loved dancing with his bride. Watching them polka together was always special...they were graceful as they moved on the dance floor. More than anything else, he loved family gatherings. There was always a spark in his eye and a smile on his face when the family celebrated birthdays, holidays and other special occasions together....the more the merrier!! He is survived by the love of his life, Genevieve, his five children: Patrick (Robin), Joe (Sherri), Bob (Natalie), Mary (Bob) Underwood and Mark (Jennifer); his grandchildren: Amanda, Ashley, Bradley, Ben, Angela, Lydia and Draven, and his 11 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, “Arlie” Pete. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his siblings, Douglas and Beverly. The family is planning to celebrate Jerry’s life privately at a later time. Jerry and his family are being cared for by the Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home.

Gerald "Jerry" Patterson

August 10, 1933 - August 10, 2023