Gerald R. Gawne

Gerald (Jerry) R. Gawne, (79), affectionately known as Beetle, passed away peacefully at home on 2/22/23. Born on 1/25/44, he lived within 2 blocks of his childhood home his whole life, except when he joined the U.S. Army from 1961-1963. He graduated from bootcamp in Ft. Dix, NJ and was then stationed in Germany. He was a communications specialist and the personal driver of the company commander, which is where his love of Jeeps began.

 

On October 25, 1970, he married his love and lifelong dance partner, Pat. Seven years later they brought their only daughter, RaeAnn, to the world. Jerry worked as a heavy machine operator and could fabricate or fix just about any small engine. 

Jerry raced and rode motorcycles and in his later years, along with friends from the Eagles club, was a member of the "Hardly Harley's" moped gang. Jerry was the captain of many boats through the years, but he mostly loved his SeaRay, the Gawne Cruisin', boating the waters of the Saginaw Bay from Caseville to Tawas.

 

Jerry loved playing with his grandkids when they were young. He would give them rides on some contraption he built and pull them around the yard with his lawn mower. Jerry lived a life that was full, he always stood tall and he always lived life his way.

 

Left to cherish moments and memories are his wife, Patricia, daughter and son-in-law, RaeAnn and Eric (Blakeley), granddaughter and husband, Erica and Noah (Dailey), grandson, Steven, his sister, Peg Houghtaling and several nieces and nephews.

 

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Gladys and Grafton Gawne, brothers George, Bill and Cy and sisters Betty (Stoley) and Bernice (Raymond).

 

Jerry has been cremated and a memorial service will be held at the Fraternal Order of Eagles in Vassar on 4/8/23 at 2 pm.

 

Share a memory of Jerry at www.hanlinfuneralhome.com.

 

Jerry and his family are in the care of Hanlin Funeral Home - Vassar. 1148 W. Saginaw Rd, Vassar, MI 48768. Phone (989) 823-8621.