Gerald "Jerry" Lewis Balczak

All who were blessed to know Gerald Balczak can certainly attest that his life was rich in love and laughter. He was a constant source of strength, even in the most difficult of times, and his genuine nature allowed him to connect deeply with those around him. There was nothing that brought Jerry greater joy than holding his friends and family close. His compassion and heart of service were exemplified by his willingness to go above and beyond to care for others. Dearly loved, Jerry will be forever missed and remembered.

The mid 1960s were electrifying years to be alive in the United States of America. Humanity continued to rise to new heights with space exploration thanks to the push of the historic Space Race. Iconic musical groups including the Beatles and the Rolling Stones dominated the world stage, and musicals such as The Sound of Music and Mary Poppins were popular films of the time. Meanwhile, Gerald and Melissa (Marcellus) Balczak of Grand Rapids, Michigan, were eagerly awaiting the arrival of their seventh child. It was on December 2 of 1965 that the happy couple announced the birth of their son, Gerald Lewis.

Growing up in the family home on Matilda Street NE alongside his six older siblings, Jerry was a typical boy of his generation in many ways. He enjoyed helping his mother in their garden and would often work with his cousins on their farm in Lowell which helped formed the foundation of his solid work ethic. In his younger years, Jerry always liked drawing with pencils. He was very creative. He enjoyed taking part in family activities including polka conventions, Pulaski days events, family gatherings in the backyard with live bands, shooting pool at the halls, snowmobiling and participating in all kinds of activities. He was very athletic and loved playing pond hockey, basketball, baseball, softball, pool, golf, bowling and tennis with his family and friends. He attended St. Isidore’s Catholic Elementary School and Central High School.

Jerry/Gerald had many nicknames that he went by such as: Jer, Jer Bear, Jer-reee, Jerbo, Dad, Papa, Bro, Godfather, Unc/Uncle, Cous/Cousin, Friend/ My Friend / BFF (best friend forever), OG, and the flooring guy.

As anyone who knew Jerry would agree, he was never one to shy away from hard work. He worked a few odd jobs before finding his passion for flooring. In 1984, Jerry began building his career in the flooring industry. He launched his own company, Balczak Carpet Installation which he later renamed Double J Flooring, Inc. He installed carpet for the first 30 years before branching out and installing hard goods, expanding his expertise. He was known as the OG in the flooring industry. He took great pride in his work and strove to treat each of his customers and subcontractors with respect. He never turned a job down (even the tough ones that no one else would touch). He loved a good challenge. Jerry’s attention to detail, ability to problem solve and think on his feet, quality work, commitment to “do it right the first time and do what you say you’re going to do”, earned him trust in the flooring industry for over 40 years. He also trained many installers that went on to start their own companies including his son who began learning the business at the early age of 12.

Of all the things Jerry loved, his family was undoubtedly his greatest treasure. His two beloved children, Gerald and Jenna, were the focus of his life, and he thrived in his role as a father. Jerry strove to be very involved in the lives of his children, even coaching his son’s Little League team. He loved continuing his family’s tradition of taking the kids to Cadillac to camp for a couple of weeks each summer and started a new tradition of taking the kids and grandkids to Double J Ranch in the fall/winter. The family also had fond memories of going on bike rides, camping, going to live concerts, tubing down the Muskegon River, attending sporting events, bus trips and traveling to various places to vacation. Jerry was a favorite uncle to his many nieces and nephews, and was known as the “fun uncle”. He was very social. He knew everyone and brought laughter, love and fun times to every event he attended.

In 1996, Jerry was fortunate to reconnect with Donna DeWolf, the woman who quickly capture his heart. She attended the same elementary school as he did - St. Isidore’s. They enjoyed taking cruises, traveling the world together and spending as much time as possible with family and friends. They visited many beautiful locations, including Amsterdam, Germany, Hawaii, Las Vegas and Jamaica. They dated for 21 years and finally got married on July 15, 2017 at St. Isidore’s Catholic Church.

There were so many hobbies that brought joy into Jerry’s life. No matter the season, he always had a fun way to spend his time. Jerry enjoyed grilling, laying out by the pool, camping and golfing in the summer and snowmobiling in the winter. He was an avid fan of all sports, but especially loved cheering on his Detroit, University of Michigan, and Notre Dame sports teams. Jerry and Donna enjoyed many years of being on various golf and bowling leagues together. He loved attending live music shows especially in Las Vegas and those at the Muskegon Summer Celebration. Some of his favorite artists included Bob Seger, Elton John, Kansas, Stix, and Jelly Roll. Jerry loved to host get togethers including his legendary annual Super Bowl parties, and Texas Hold ‘Em tournaments in “The Headquarters” filled with family, friends, neighbors and coworkers.

Later in life, Jerry was thrilled to become a doting grandfather to Chloe and Jerry Jr. His grandchildren brought out the best in him, and there was nothing he wouldn’t do for them. Jerry taught his grandkids to fish, and enjoyed swimming with them in the pool as well as cheering them on at their hockey, soccer and futsal games. Recently, he enjoyed watching the Jurassic Park movies with Chloe. After retiring in 2024 due to his declining health, Jerry discovered a renewed love for card and board games. He enjoyed playing Yahtzee, Tic Tac Toe, and especially Wizard. These games often turned into spirited battles with his favorite (only) son-in-law, Jon. Jerry always reveled in their silly competitive banter, making sure Jon knew exactly who the “true” Wizard was. His Yahtzee high score of 630 will always be a favorite memory.

Hardworking, humble, and deeply devoted to his family and friends, Gerald Balczak touched so many lives for the better in ways big and small. He was a powerful role model of humility and honesty. A dedicated husband, father, and grandfather, Jerry led his family with integrity and strength, and he savored each and every moment spent with those he cherished. The magnetism of his personality drew others close, and his insatiable zest for life was both contagious and inspiring. Although he is already so greatly missed, Jerry leaves behind a priceless legacy that his loved ones will be proud to pick up and carry on in his footsteps.

Mr. Gerald “Jerry” L. Balczak, age 60, passed away on May 11, 2026. He was preceded in death by his parents, Gerald R. and Melissa Balczak; brother, Ted Balczak; sister, Coleen Bent; and mother-in-law, Marilyn DeWolf. Jerry is survived by his wife, Donna; children, Jerry Balczak and Jenna (Jon) Spanding; grandchildren, Chloe and Jerry Jr.; and siblings, Tony (Shelley) Balczak, Jack Bent, Chris (Tammi) Balczak, Kevin (Patty) Balczak, Ben (Sandy) Balczak, Scott (Lisa) DeWolf, Debbie (Jim) Blok, Dottie (Chris) Jacobs, Denise (Carl) Rumsey, Tony (Jen) DeWolf, Mark (Angie) DeWolf; and many nieces, nephews and dear friends.

Visitation will be held from 4-7 PM on Friday, May 15 at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home - Van Strien Creston Chapel, 1833 Plainfield Ave NE.

The Memorial Mass will be held at 10:30 AM on Saturday, May 16th at St. Jude Catholic Church, 1120 4 Mile Rd NE.

Contributions in his memory may be made to Trinity Health St. Mary’s Foundation. Celebrate Jerry’s life by sharing a favorite memory or photo on his dedicated memory page at heritagelifestory.com