Jerry Hankis

Loving, dedicated, and kind, Jerry Hankis lived a life rich in family and friends. Jerry was well-known for his love of nature, ability to hold onto good junk, and unwavering commitment to his family. Hardworking and good-natured, Jerry embraced each day as a gift and held every moment shared with loved ones as a treasure. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend, Jerry will long be remembered by those he so dearly loved.

1928 continued to ride the decade’s roaring wave of peace, prosperity, and hope. The nation celebrated the recent inventions of Penicillin, the iron lung, bubble gum, and the Yo-Yo, as well as Charles Lindbergh’s Congressional Medal of Honor and Amelia Earhart becoming the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic. As the wave of sweeping social and economic growth rapidly increased, nowhere was there more hope for the future than in the home of Verland and Steva (Stephanie) Hankis as they welcomed their son Jerry to their family on January 24 in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Growing up on Summer Street NW, Jerry was twelve years older than his younger brothers, Roger and Robert, and even a few more years older than his younger sister, Sandra. In his youth, Jerry spent a lot of time with his cousin, Dick, and attended Union Public Schools.

After graduating high school in 1945, Jerry entered the United States Navy in 1946. Jerry was stationed in Okinawa and Guam, where he served as an electrician until he was discharged in 1948. He continued to serve in the Reserves until 1953, and upon returning home from the service, Jerry began working as a salesman for Lucky Strike Cigarettes.

In 1949, while attending a friend’s wedding, Jerry first saw his future wife, Dolores McGinley. Interested in getting to know her, he looked her up and learned they lived near one another.

Jerry and Dolores became good friends and soon set their hearts on sharing their futures. In 1952, the happy couple married at the Klise Chapel in Grand Rapids. After a week of honeymooning on the beach in Ludington, the newlyweds settled into married life not far from his parents and many other family members on Summer Street.

In 1953, Jerry began working for the Xerox Copy Machine, cleaning and servicing the machines. He later worked for Purchase Electric, a supply house for electric materials in Grand Rapids.

Jerry and Dolores were delighted to welcome their daughter Carolyn to their family while living in Grand Rapids. After being transferred to Kalamazoo around 1955 with Purchase Electric, the family grew when sons James and Brian were born in Kalamazoo. In 1961, the family moved back to Grand Rapids and lived on Scribner Street, where they rented a house before eventually moving to a home on Coit Street.

In 1953, Jerry purchased a cottage next door to his grandparents’ cottage in Bitley, where he enjoyed hunting and fishing. The family spent their weekends at the cottage, where Jerry made beer pancakes and took his kids to the local penny store.

In time, Jerry transferred to All Phase Electric Supply, where he worked until he retired in 1983. During his time with the company, he was awarded Most Valuable Employee for his excellent work.

As soon as Jerry retired, he and Dolores moved to Bitely. With his children’s help, he made a basement by removing dirt with a wheelbarrow and shovels, completed the cottage, and began living there year-round. While Jerry enjoyed being up north, he did not hunt or fish much. He was rarely one to be still for long and always enjoyed being busy. He’d spend hours pittering around his shop and tinkering on this or that. He enjoyed eating and would commonly attend pig roasts and outings with his friends or spend time with his good friend from the neighborhood, Sherm. Many wonderful memories were made when the family, including his eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren, would share time with him up north.

Over the last few years, Jerry’s health continued to decline. When he needed more support, he was admitted to the assisted living facility. His family visited regularly, providing much loving care and good company. Over the past two weeks, Jerry began to decline.

As we celebrate Jerry’s wonderful life, may we find much comfort in our many treasured memories. May we also find comfort in the honor of carrying his legacy of loving kindness forward. In each moment we gather with loved ones, cheer on their endeavors, tinker on a project, enjoy Northern Michigan’s splendors, and face life’s challenges with confidence and grace, we keep Jerry’s memory alive and inspiring others as he so inspired us.

Gerald (Jerry) Hankis, of Bitely, Michigan, passed away on April 6, 2025, at the age of 97. Jerry is preceded in death by his brother, Roger Hankis, and brother-in-law, Doug White. Jerry leaves behind his wife of 73 years, Dolores; his children Carolyn (Donald) Quick, Jim (Carol Velte) Hankis, and Brian (Sherrie) Hankis. A private family graveside service will be held. Memorial gifts in Jerry’s name may be made to The American Cancer Society. To leave a memory or sign the guest book, please visit www.heritagelifestory.com