Gerald "Jerry" Ross Erway, 76, of Cedar, MI passed away March 10, 2023 at the Grand Traverse Pavilions.
Jerry was born on August 31, 1946 in Bay City, MI to the late Gerald Lafayette and Lillian "Faye" (Causley) Erway. He married Carol Lee Etienne on April 18, 1969 in Bay City. Together they raised three wonderful sons, Mike, Pat, and Jake.
Honorably, Jerry served our country in the United States Air Force as a Sargent during the Vietnam War. He was stationed in France and Germany worked in communications. After returning from the service, he went to work for Consumers Energy. He remained with Consumers his whole career. Jerry began in 1969 as a tree trimmer in Bay City. He had a few promotions along the way, substation operator, power controller, substation supervisor and a move to Grand Rapids to become a substation superintendent for part of lower Michigan. His final years he was able to come back to Traverse City which the family considered their home. Jerry retired in 2004.
Fall was his favorite time of the year. His family and friends enjoyed many wild game dinners. He loved to smoke fish, venison and make venison jerky. Venison chili was also a favorite. When Jerry wasn't on the "job" you would often see him in a chamois shirt, ball cap, and jeans.
As a boy he spent much of his time outside either playing baseball with his childhood friends, hunting, gardening, enjoying his dog, Lady, and camping with his family.
When Jerry and Carol married, they spent many vacations on Lake Leelanau boating, fishing, sight- seeing and learning about the area, hoping one day to live in this part of Michigan. They moved to Traverse City in 1984.
In 1980-1981 the whole family became "wild for hockey!" Mike and Pat started playing in Saginaw. Jake began his love of hockey at Howe Arena a "few" years after his brothers. His brothers were his examples. He could tell you most anything about the game.
In TC Jerry supported his boys and other children in the Grand Traverse Hockey Association over 20 years. He was involved as a team manager, on I.C.E. Board, and in the beginning a coach.
Jerry was very proud of his sons, most of all for their kindness and their desire to stand by "all people."
In 2017 Jerry and Carol moved to Cedar. He loved living in the woods, gardening, having a pole barn, smoking wild game, and owning a tractor with all the accessories.
His grandson, Hayden Joseph Erway, was the joy and light in his life. His granddaughter, Evaline Etienne Erway, although he didn't get to know her but a short time, was his "beautiful little angel".
Jerry will be remembered for his selfless acts of generosity, his lifelong quest for learning and wide range of knowledge due to his endless curiosity.
Jerry is survived by his wife and best friend, Carol, of 54 years, his sons Mike Erway, Pat (Wendy Hoeksma) Erway and Jake (Kaitlyn) Erway, grandchildren Hayden and Evaline Erway, sister Billie Jean (Jerry) Sherman and nieces Christine and Colleen, along with many extended family members, hunting buddies, hockey pals and the Nolan gang.
He was proceeded in death by his infant brother, Michael.
Private family services will take place at a later time. Memorials may be directed to Grand Traverse Pavilion Scholarship Fund, St. Jude, or Grand Traverse Hockey Association. Jerry's family is being cared for by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home. Www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com .