Gerald Hineline

The introduction of the minimum wage law in 1938 was just the boost Americans needed after years of hardship through the Great Depression. It was also a year filled with technological advances, beloved cartoons and movie greats. In the community of Cutlerville, Michigan, nothing compared to the excitement felt by Louis and Helen (Wilcox) Hineline as they anticipated the birth of their first child. Born on June 7, 1938, Gerald Wayne was a welcome blessing. The oldest of four, he later became a big brother to his siblings, Joyce, James and Gale. Gerald attended the local schools and went through the 11th grade at Cutlerville High School, but like many young men during times of war, he felt the call to duty.

Gerald served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War in Alaska. After being honorably discharged, he met a young woman and although his eventual marriage ended in divorce, he was thankful for his son, Scott. He worked at Kelvinator as a machine repairman until later working in the same position at Ogden Martin where he remained until retiring. Gerald was a hard worker and did all he could for the benefit of his family.

In time Gerald came to find love again in the arms of Ruth Mroz. On April 22, 1967 they were happily married at the firehouse on Plainfield Avenue in Grand Rapids by a local Justice of the Peace. Together Gerald and Ruth made their first home on Third Street on Grand Rapids' northwest side, eventually moving to Thomas Street NW. They lived in nearby Jenison before settling into a home in Hudsonville where they shared the rest of their days together. A hearty meat and potatoes man, he thoroughly enjoyed Ruth's cooking. There were many things Gerald found enjoyment in. He loved country music and reading western novels along with a few titles on war. He possessed quite a talent for woodworking and as a woodcarver, he made beautiful gifts for family and friends over the years which will remain a treasure. Throughout the years he also enjoyed hunting, usually for deer and small game. Fishing was another favorite pastime he enjoyed from pan to salmon fishing.

Diagnosed at the age of 60 with throat cancer, Gerald needed to retire early. After seven long years of treatment, he was finally given a clean bill of health for which he was grateful. In time he began suffering from congestive heart failure and over the past few years it took a toll on his health until he came to depend on oxygen fulltime. Although quiet by nature, Gerald was a devoted and dedicated family man and enjoyed the friendships of many. A loving husband, father, brother and grandfather, he will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

At the age of 72, Gerald W. Hineline, of Hudsonville, Michigan, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, May 6, 2011 and is now with our Lord. Surviving is his wife of 45 years, Ruth; son, Scott Hineline; brother, James (Sheila) Hineline; sister, Gale (Brian) Foster; brother-in-law, Ralph Marshall; many nieces, nephews and friends. A service to celebrate Gerald’s life will be held on Monday, May 9, 2011, 11:00 AM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home-Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW. Relatives and friends may meet his family at the funeral home on Sunday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM. Contributions in his memory may be made to the Van Andel Institute for Cancer Research. To read more about Gerald’s life, to sign his guest book online and to leave a memory of him, please visit www.lifestorynet.com.