Gerald Joseph Mears

March 24, 1939 ~
June 30, 2021

​Jerry Mears, age 82, of Wyoming, passed away at Trillium Woods after a short struggle with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) on Wednesday, June 30, 2021. He was preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Marge Mears; son, Paul Mears; his sisters, Sandy Schultz and Michelene Mears. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 38 years, Linda; children, Lisa (Doug) Schilling, Dan (Rebecca) Mears, Shannon Mears, Jennifer Mears; five grandchildren; siblings, Vicki (Ron) Decker, Randy Mears; also survived by his first wife, Mary Mears; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. Jerry attended Loras College in Dubuque, IA, Marquette College, Milwaukee, WI, University of Wisconsin, and graduated with a master’s degree in planning from Wayne State University. He began his career in planning as Vice President of Consulting at Parkins, Rogers Associates Consulting firm in the Detroit area for 17 years. He was the Director of Planning and Community Development for the City of Wyoming and retired after 26 years of service. Jerry was a warm, caring, loving husband, father, and grandfather. He was an affable and good-natured man who treasured the many relationships he built during his lifetime. Jerry was a Big Brother, and a docent at the Grand Rapids Art Museum. He enjoyed traveling, reading, golf and Thursday evening poker games with the guys. A time of visitation and sharing will be held on Saturday, July 31 from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home, 4145 Chicago Dr. SW, Grandville. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Big Brothers Big Sisters or The Salvation Army.

Leave Your Tribute Message

August 04, 2021 1:16pm
What a great big brother. I already miss Jerry so much. He would come to Wisconsin- visit,camp,craft dhop and just have a good old family get together. He also liked to go dancing with Ron and I. We love and miss him. Rest in peace big brother.watch over us. Vicki

- Victoria Decker

July 31, 2021 3:06pm
We always enjoyed talking with Jerry and working with him. He will be greatly missed but always will live in our memories. May God grants you peace and hope always.

- Carlos & Laurie Caceres

July 30, 2021 7:57pm
I will always cherish the time spent with Linda and Jerry. Jerry loved to cook and was a recipe perfectionist. He took so much pride in the beautiful meals he prepared. Always a great conversationalist, our visits were always interesting and lots of fun. So very sad Linda lost him but he is no longer suffering. He will truly be missed!

- Rosemary Taylor

July 23, 2021 1:04pm
Served on Wyoming planning commission with Jerry, a very dedicated man who always listened to every comment and had the city of Wyoming in his heart.

- Bernard Doornbos

July 06, 2021 6:43pm
My thoughts and prayers are with Jerry’s family. I had the pleasure of working many years with Jerry at the City of Wyoming. He was very dedicated to improving the life for the citizens in Wyoming far into the future. I also was able to continue our friendship at our Thursday poker nights. He will be missed.

- Ron Dressander




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Floral arrangements provided by Love Knots Floral.

 

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