Gerald Deters

First and foremost, Gerald Deters was a family man: he loved his two sons equally and unconditionally, and many of his happiest memories in life involved the 62 years he spent with his beloved wife, Dorothy. He had a natural social talent that always left people charmed and smiling, and he was a good friend to the many people he knew throughout his life.

The early 1920s were a collage of interesting events. There were power struggles in Russia, Babe Ruth was setting baseball records, and the first Miss America was crowned. In Fremont, Michigan, Henry and Jennie (DeBoer) Deters were focusing on something a little closer to home and to their hearts, the birth of their second child. On August 1, 1922, they welcomed their newborn son, Gerald.

Gerald grew up in Fremont with his two sisters, Gladys and Jean, and brother, Jay. He received his education in the area schools, graduating from Fremont High School. He then moved to Grand Rapids and pursued his college education at the University of Grand Rapids, where he earned a degree in Pharmacy. Upon his graduation, Jerry followed the same patriotic calling of other young men of the time, and enlisted in the Army Air Corps. He proudly served his country during World War II while stationed in England and France.

While in college, Jerry began dating his future wife-to-be, Dorothy Vander Meulen, who was also from his hometown of Fremont. They were happily married on March 28, 1946, and spent the next 62 years together, raising their two sons: Jerry and Phil, and sharing many wonderful memories as a family. After some time, the couple built a home for their family along the backside of the Kent Country Club, where they resided for the next 50 years.

To support his growing family, Gerald went to work as a Pharmacist at Medical Arts. He later became a salesman in the pharmaceutical industry, working for Parke Davis, which later became Warner Lambert. Gerald loved his job, and was well respected by everyone around him. Naturally outgoing, he greatly enjoyed the opportunity his job offered of interacting with people from all walks of life. With his great sense of humor and friendly nature, he had a way of making everyone feel comfortable and was always pleasant and polite.

When it came to his leisure time, Gerald enjoyed woodworking, playing golf and traveling with his beloved wife. A true family man, Gerald’s happiest moments always involved the time he spent with his wife, children and grandchildren. All who knew and loved Gerald will treasure his memory.

Gerald Deters, age 86 of Grand Rapids, MI passed away on Saturday, January 17, 2009. He is survived by his wife, Dorothy; their children: Jerry and Robin Deters, Phil and Jane Deters; grandchildren: Kristin (Josh) Kol, Jennifer (Eric) Klaasen; sister and brother-in-law, Jean and Alden Sneller; sisters-in-law, Eleanor VanAntwerpen and Ruth Schuiteman; as well as several nieces and nephews. Jerry was preceded in death by his brother, Jay Deters, and his sister, Gladys Miller. A service to celebrate Jerry’s life will be held on Thursday, January 29, at 1 p.m. at Creston Christian Reformed Church, 238 Spencer NE, Grand Rapids. Relatives and friends are invited to visit with his family on Wednesday, January 28, from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at Heritage Life Story Funeral Homes – Van Strien, Creston Chapel, 1833 Plainfield NE. Please visit Jerry’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you may sign his online guest book or share a memory/thought with his family.