Gerald "Jerry" Solanics

Jerry, age 82, passed away on September 2, 2025.

He was preceded in death by his parents Joseph Solanics and Eileen Barnes, and his brother Paul.

He is survived by his husband Christopher Miner; his son Geoffrey with his wife Stacy, and their daughter Madelyn Ostenson; and his daughter Jennifer and her fiancé Roy Chapman.

Born in Cleveland, OH, Jerry attended Euclid Senior High School, Ohio University, and Central Michigan University, where he received an MA in teaching high school English. He taught near London, OH, for ten years, then moved to Sparta, MI, and remained teaching at the high school for 15 years. He also was an adjunct faculty member at Davenport University.

Jerry was a passionate gardener and lived to get his hands in the dirt. He owned and operated his own landscaping company, Solanics Gardens, in Grand Rapids for more than 10 years. Jerry also had a particular disdain for invasive plant species and even helped to establish and subsequently chaired an organization to eradicate garlic mustard, the Northwest Michigan Cooperative Weed Management Area.

Jerry's body was cremated per his wishes. A celebration of his life will be held Saturday, October 18, 2025, 12-2pm, at the Unitarian Universalist Church. (6726 Center Rd, Traverse City, MI 49686)

Memorial contributions may be directed to Interlochen Public Radio or the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy.

IPR:
https://www.interlochen.org/giving-to-interlochen/ipr-giving-opportunities

GTRLC:
https://www.gtrlc.org/donate/memorial-gift/