Gerald Sawyer

Through the life he lived each day, Gerald Sawyer was an inspiration to those around him. He was accompanied by a vibrant faith throughout his life that served as the compass he used to direct his steps as well as the anchor that kept him steady as the storms of life came his way. Second only to his faith was the love and unending devotion Gerald had for his family that grew to include numerous branches of loved ones upon his family tree. Although he will be deeply missed, his timeless legacy that is deeply rooted in a foundation of faith, humility, and unconditional love that his family will proudly carry on.

The 1930s brought us some of the most trying days we have faced as the Great Depression covered our nation like an unrelenting storm throughout the entire decade and into the 1940s. Jobs were scarce, the unemployment rate soared, and the situation was only intensified when a crippling drought gripped our nation’s heartland for nearly two years. Despite the harsh realities around them, a bustling family from Grand Rapids, Michigan, was able to shift their focus to a joyous time in their lives as they celebrated the birth of a new baby boy on June 10, 1933. Gerald Norman was the youngest of five children born to his parents, Emory and Dessa (Britton) Sawyer, and was raised in the family home in Grand Rapids during his earliest years alongside his three older siblings, Roy, Hazel, and James as his oldest sibling died as an infant. His father worked as a farmer and also did odd jobs, but he later painted houses while Gerald’s mother was a homemaker.

During his formative years Gerald and the Sawyer family moved around a bit. From Grand Rapids they moved to a farm near Cedar Springs where they had chickens, pigs, and cows. Gerald developed a love for hunting with his dogs as well as fishing. As a student he attended a one-room schoolhouse in Cedar Springs, and his formal education came to an end after the eighth grade, which was fairly common for the youth of his generation. When Gerald was 16 the family sold the farm and moved into a mobile home in Grand Rapids. He entered the workforce as a teen, first helping his father paint houses and later as a pin setter at a local bowling alley for a couple of years. Gerald began working at a young age to help support the family.

Life was forever changed for Gerald when he met the young woman of his dreams. Her name was Shirley Ann Tewinkel, and they met on a blind date. That date led to more dates, and it wasn’t long before they found themselves deeply in love. With a desire to build a life together, Gerald and Shirley were married on March 12, 1954, at her grandparents’ home.

After enjoying a honeymoon to Niagara Falls, the newlyweds returned to Grand Rapids where they lived with Shirley’s grandparents for a time. They later bought a home across the street on Hudson Street in Wyoming. In 1960 they built a new house on Five Mile Road where Gerald called home for the rest of his life. Together Gerald and Shirley were blessed with the births of seven children, Jerry Jr., John, Janice, Julie, Joanie, Janell and Jayson. All of their children graduated from high school, which was something that was of the utmost importance to both Gerald and his wife. As a family they enjoyed several vacations to a cabin in Baldwin, and later on they went trailer camping at Mitchell State Park in Cadillac on several occasions. There were also times spent at Lakeside Campground in Cedar Springs as well as trips to Disney World, Sea World, and Busch Gardens, Texas, North & South Dakota and Washington State. No matter where they were, Gerald was able to satiate his love for the water by spending ample time swimming in the lake.

As a young man Gerald took a job as a press operator at Bissell Corporation where he spent his entire career until retiring after 43 years of dedicated service. At times he also took on a second job in order to support his family, including working as a custodian at Remembrance Church.

First and foremost in Gerald’s life was his faith. He loved his Lord and Savior, and he faithfully read his Bible every morning or listened to it on tapes. Gerald and his family were faithful members of Remembrance Church as they attended services twice on Sundays and every Wednesday as well. Listening to gospel music deepened his faith, and he was a huge fan of the Gaithers.

In his free time Gerald enjoyed pursuing his interests. He loved classic television like westerns with John Wayne, Johnny Weissmuller, William Tell, or any western in general, in addition to sci-fi movies and any movies from the 1950s. Classic country, like Hank Williams Sr., was music that Gerald liked when he wasn’t listening to gospel music. His favorite foods were hamburgers and Cony Island chili dogs.

As much as Gerald enjoyed the things that interested him, everything was better when shared with others. It was a longstanding Sunday tradition that all of his children and grandchildren gathered at his house for dinner. In fact, Gerald loved being with his grandchildren - at least until they got a little too rambunctious! It was difficult for him when his beloved Shirley died in 2002, but his unwavering faith and the love of his family carried him through the days, weeks, and months that followed.

Gerald had his share of health problems to contend with throughout his sunset years. He was diabetic for half of his life. His last two years were spent in a wheelchair, and he was diagnosed with esophageal cancer just two weeks ago.

Described as a hardworking and dedicated family man of faith, Gerald Sawyer was a true blessing in every way. He was an excellent provider who continually sacrificed for his family in ways both great and small. Gerald will never be forgotten.

Gerald's whole life changed when he lost his dear wife Shirley Ann (3/14/2002) and the loss of his son Jerry and his infant daughter, Joanie.

"My fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. I have gone to the other side to be with my Savior. While I am sad to leave all of you, know that I'm free in my Father's arms. I will see you all again. Stay strong in your faith, forgive each other, and know you are loved" - Gerald

Mr. Gerald N. Sawyer, aged 80 of Grand Rapids, passed away at home, on Friday evening, May 16, 2014, in the presence of his loving family. He was preceded in death by his wife Shirley Ann, his son Jerry and his infant daughter, Joanie. He is survived by his children, John (Della) Sawyer, Janice Sawyer, Julie (Steve) Sottovia, Janell (Luke) Nordlund, Jayson (Tracy) Sawyer; 7 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren; his brother-in-law and sisters-in-law, Ed and Janet Ford and Louise Sawyer; many nieces, nephews and friends. The Service to celebrate Gerald’s life will be held on Thursday, May 22, 2014 at 1:00 PM at Remembrance Church, 4575 Remembrance Rd. NW. Burial in Washington Park Cemetery. Visitation will be held at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home – 851 Leonard St. NW on Wednesday from 2-4 and 6-8 PM. Contributions in his memory may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. To read more about Gerald’s life, to sign his guest book and to leave your own memory of him, visit his web page at www.lifestorynet.com