Gerard Patrick Altena

Gerard “Jerry” Patrick Altena, age 83, of Sparta, was called home to be with Jesus on Tuesday, June 18, 2024. Jerry was a kind and loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and a friend to many. He was blessed with a great sense of humor and quick wit. Jerry was born in Rennes, France, before immigrating to the United States at the age of 5. He was the son of Suzanne and Julius Altena. He proudly served his country in the US Navy before attending Michigan State University receiving his Bachelor and Master’s Degree in Education. Jerry was a lifelong educator serving as a teacher and Principal at Grand Rapids Public Schools, including Harrison Park Elementary, John Ball Zoo School, Blandford School, and West Leonard Elementary. Jerry took great joy in helping others with many projects, no matter how small or large the task was. He enjoyed watching many sports, especially his MSU Spartans, but took great joy in attending and supporting all his children and grandchildren’s activities. Above all, his legacy of love and commitment to his family was evident to all who knew him. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Suzanne and Julius Altena; his father-in-law, Lesie Dietz. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 40 years, Judy; children, Bill and Beth Altena, Mike and Michelle Altena, Melissa and Charles Shipaila, Alicia and Jeff Kolhoff, Chris Altena, Angie Lewis, Sonya Lovell; grandchildren, Will, Candi (Taylor), Derek, Ethan, Steve, Nate, Ashley, Hailey, Samantha; great grandchildren, Sawyer, and Dawson; siblings, Ron Altena, Marv and Nancy Altena; mother-in-law, Emy Dietz; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Dart and Mary Dietz, Tim and Marie Dietz, Mike Dietz; several loving nieces, nephews, cousins; and many beloved lifelong friends. Funeral services will be held on Monday, June 24, at 11 a.m. at MKD Stegenga Funeral Chapel, 1601 Post Drive NE, Belmont, MI. Burial will take place at Sunfish Lake Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet the family on Sunday, June 23, from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial contributions be given to John Ball Zoo or to Blandford Nature Center.