Gerald Cole

COLE - Mr. Gerald Milton Cole aged 82, passed away Saturday January 3, 2015. Gerald returned to Grand Rapids just two weeks ago after fulfilling his lifelong dream of living in Sagola for the last 25 years. He was preceded in death by his parents, Milton and Elizabeth Cole; brother, James Cole; sister, Helen Ferguson; and father-in-law, George B. Smith. Surviving are his wife of 25 years, Catherine; his children, Catherine Bartling, Sharon Bennett, Robert Cole; granddaughters, Elizabeth Bennett, Cassandra Bartling, Britteny Hendrickson; great grandchildren, Annaliese Medina, Ariana Cruz, Ethan Garza, Ava Jaramillo; brother, William (Nancy) Cole; mother-in-law, Donna Smith; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Bonnie (Larry) Sims, Butch (Jeri) Smith, Georgia (Bob) Bennett, Jodi (Pat) McNamara, Brian (Dee) Smith; his dear friends, Howard Stormzand, Tom Morgan III, George McDonough. Gerald proudly served his country as a Seebee with the US Navy. He served in Guam, Adak (Aleutian Islands) Alaska and California. Gerald retired from the Kent County Road Commission after 40 years of service. Funeral services will be held 2:00PM Wednesday, January 7, 2015 at the Stegenga Funeral Chapel, 1601 Post Dr. NE., with visitation from 11:00AM until time of service. Memorial contributions may be made to Faith Hospice or the Wounded Warrior Project. To share a photo, memory and sign the family's online guest book please visit www.stegengafuneralchapel.com. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Gerald M. Cole please visit our Sympathy Store.