Gerald Joseph Mears

​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.