Gerald "Jerry" Albert Schichtel

Gerald “Jerry” Albert Schichtel, 90, of Traverse City, passed away on Thursday, August 20, 2026, with his loving family at his side.

Jerry was born in Kingsley, Michigan, to the late Julius and Mabel (Miesch) Schichtel. One of ten children, Jerry grew up surrounded by a large family on the family farm and learned early the values of hard work, loyalty, and caring for others. He graduated from Buckley High School.

Jerry’s love story with Vivian Joyce Allen began at his sister’s wedding. During the reception, Jerry asked his new brother-in-law if he could dance with one of his sisters. That sister was Vivian, and one dance quickly turned into an entire evening of dancing together. By the end of the night, Jerry asked if he could take her on a date. He returned the following weekend for their first date, and a beautiful life together began. Jerry and Vivian were married on April 25, 1959—a particularly memorable day, as it was Jerry’s birthday. Together, they shared 67 years of marriage and raised a wonderful family. He also shared his birthday with his grandson Tyler which created a special bond.

Jerry was an exceptionally hard worker and a devoted provider for his family. He spent much of his career in the glass and glazing industry, working at Ohio Plate Glass and co-owned Four Seasons Windows and Glass. Later, he became co-owner of Paradise Valley Woodcrafters. Retirement was never really part of Jerry’s vocabulary. He enjoyed working, took pride in doing a job well, and was incredibly dependable. His family fondly remembers that he simply never missed a day of work.

Jerry was also an inventor and a man who was always thinking of ways to make things better. He developed the Snow Bully, an invention born from his creativity and his desire to help others. That was simply who Jerry was—if he saw an opportunity to make someone’s life a little easier, he wanted to help.

In his younger years when he wasn’t working, Jerry enjoyed golfing, hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, bowling, and spending time working in his yard. He and Vivian especially loved dancing together, something that remained a fitting reminder of how their story first began.

Above all else, Jerry loved his family. He and Vivian were devoted parents and grandparents who rarely, if ever, missed an activity involving their grandchildren. Jerry and Viv could be counted on to be there. He was immensely proud of his family, and the love was certainly returned. To his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, he was not only their grandfather, but also one of their greatest supporters.

Jerry will be remembered for his tremendous work ethic, his ingenuity, his willingness to help others, and, most importantly, his unwavering devotion to his family. He lived his life by showing up—for his work, for those who needed him, and especially for the people he loved.

Jerry is survived by his beloved wife, Vivian; his children, Paul (Stacey) Schichtel, Dennis (Sandy) Schichtel, Steve (Gerri) Schichtel, Brad (Jamie) Schichtel, and Jeff (Jackie) Schichtel; his grandchildren, Josh, Christie (Jessie); Tyler (Kati), Eric, Logan; Morgan, Stephanie; Brayden, Gavin, Jessica; Emma, Chloe, and Carson; his great-grandchildren, Alain; Sadie and Joseph; his sister, Linda (Gary) Crain; his brothers, Norm (Pat) Schichtel and Dave Schichtel; along with many loving cousins, extended family members, and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Julius and Mabel Schichtel; and his siblings, Lucille Schichtel, Alice Zakrajsek, Armond “Bud” Schichtel, Kathleen Yuresko, Margaret Allen and Anna Mae Smith.

Visitation will be held on Monday, August 24, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., with a time of sharing and the Rosary beginning at approximately 6:30 p.m. at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s of Hannah Catholic Church. Jerry will be laid to rest at St. Mary’s of Hannah Cemetery with a luncheon to follow.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Freedom Builders or a place of your choice in Jerry’s honor.