Gerald 'Jerry' Cady

Zephyrhills, Fla. - Gerald "Jerry" Cady, 82, of Zephyrhills, Florida, passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2023, with his loving wife, Marlene, at his side.

He was born in 1940 in Ironwood, Michigan, where he spent much of his life, moving full-time to Zephyrhills (Baker Acres Community) in 2015. Jerry married the love of his life, Marlene, in September 1962.

Jerry was a skilled craftsman, carpenter and custom woodworker. He was the owner and operator of The Sawdust Bin in Ironwood, specializing in custom cabinetry. He took great pride in his craftsmanship, but at the same time, was very humble about his expertise. His custom woodworking can be found in many homes and businesses throughout the area. In his first 10 years of retirement, he restored several homes in the Ironwood area, putting his personal touch on each property.

He was also a natural at landscaping. He truly enjoyed making their Michigan and Florida yard into a "park-like" setting. He built an amazing pond and waterfall feature in his Michigan backyard, which he frequently enjoyed sitting around drinking coffee and feeding the koi fish.

Jerry enjoyed boating and camping, especially on Lake Gogebic. He restored a couple of RVs, using them to seek out warmer weather during the winter months. He also enjoyed snow skiing.

He will be remembered mostly for his devotion to his family, having an accepting and calming demeanor, willingness to help those in need, patience when teaching others, and a curiosity in restoring things.

Jerry is survived by his loving wife of over 60 years, Marlene; two sons, Greg (LeAnn) Cady and Kurt (Shari) Cady; his daughter, Christine (Mark) Henrichs; sisters, Patricia Kripner and Donna (Skip) Bessen. Also surviving are his grandchildren, Mitchell, Tayler and Tianna Cady; and great-grandchildren, Maverick and Emmett Cady.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Gerald "Barney" and Julia Cady; his brother, Robert Phelps; and his sister, Judy Voss, who passed away the day after his passing.

A celebration of Jerry's life was well-attended at the Baker's Acres Community clubhouse on Jan. 22. Jerry was very well-respected and appreciated within their retirement community. In honor of his appreciation for food, a grand luncheon buffet was shared with his family and community members.

Another celebration of life will be held in Ironwood, Michigan, in the summer of 2023 so he can be remembered by those unable to attend his service in Florida and to be buried next to his parents.