Gerald John Wiitanen

WAKEFIELD, Mich. – Gerald John Wiitanen, fondly known as "Jerry," 76, a lifelong resident of Wakefield, passed away peacefully Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2016.

Jerry was born on Oct. 6, 1939, in Wakefield, a son of Elias and Helmi (Peterson) Wiitanen. He attended Wakefield High School and graduated in 1957.

Jerry proudly served his country in the U.S. Army in the 101st Airborne Division for three years.

Jerry enjoyed fishing, hunting, yard work and gardening. He took great pleasure in feeding the wildlife on his property. At one time, Jerry rescued two baby raccoons who he named, Rocky and Merv, from the wild and he lovingly raised them in his home. He was a gentle man who lived a simple life.

Jerry was a self-employed logger who worked with his son until "Little Jerry's" untimely passing.

Jerry built two log cabins on his land. In later years, he took up woodworking and made furniture for his home which he lived in since birth.

Jerry is survived by two daughters, Pearl (Jeff) Johnson, of Wakefield and Pam (Gary) Radtke, of Kimball, Wis .; a grandson, Jerry Joseph Johnson; a great-grandson, Trenton Jeffrey Johnson; a sister, Dorothy (Tom) Hendrickson, of White Pine; several nieces and nephews; and his two beloved dogs, Molly and Curly.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Gerald John Wiitanen Jr., on March 9, 1986; a grandson, Jeremiah Jeffrey Johnson, on March 15, 2012; a brother and sister-in-law, Eli "Mitt" and Eileen Wiitanen; and two sisters and three brothers-in-law, Esther and Frank Aldridge, Maxine Jarvenpaa Draeger, Gust Jarvenpaa and Arthur Draeger.

The family will greet relatives and friends on Thursday, Jan. 28, from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m., at Lakeside Memorial Chapel in Wakefield, with the honor guard beginning at 3 p.m. Military honors will be accorded by the Wakefield American Legion Geroux Post 11 and Wakefield Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9084 Honor Guard.

A memorial service will follow the military rites at 3:30 p.m., with the Rev. Bill Jacobson officiating.

Lunch will be served at All Saints Lutheran Church fellowship hall following the memorial service.

Interment will take place at Lakeside Cemetery, Wakefield in the spring.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Jerald Rocco, owner-manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield. Condolences may be expressed online at lakesidememorialchapel.com.