Jerry Hanlin

Jerry W Hanlin of Walloon Lake, Michigan formerly of Millington, Michigan passed away peacefully early Tuesday morning October 27, 2015 at his son’s residence in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Jerry was 82.

Jerry was born on August 8, 1933 and was the son of the late William & Florence (Conner) Hanlin. He was a graduate of Millington High School class of 1951. After high school Jerry attended Flint Junior College before continuing his education at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan where he received his Associates Degree in Mortuary Science in 1955. Jerry returned home to work with his parents Florence and William Hanlin to assist his parents in the operation of Hanlin Funeral Home, founded in 1928.

While they were both in High School, Jerry met his future wife Marion Hastings at North Lake where her parents had a summer cottage. Following a long distance romance Jerry convinced Marion to leave Western Michigan University with the prospects of young love and work in a family business living in a basement apartment at the Funeral Home! They were married in February 1957 and celebrated 53 years of marriage before her death in March of 2010.

Jerry was a founding member of the Millington Chamber of Commerce, a charter member and past President of the Millington Lions Club, and was a past member of the Millington Athletic Boosters. He was also a former member of the Vassar Golf and Country Club, and was a current member of the Walloon Lake Country Club.

Jerry’s gift of humor and great memory for personal antidotes of his friends and neighbors was the key in his easing the grief of those he was honored to serve during his forty plus years at the Hanlin Funeral Home.

Though Marion had her teaching career she was behind the scenes working as hard as Jerry in the family business. In 1997 the business was sold to Dale and Pam Hanlin, the family’s third generation. Jerry was very proud that the business remained in his family and is the oldest family owned funeral home in Tuscola County and one of the oldest family businesses in Millington.

Jerry leaves to cherish his memory, three sons. Jeffrey Hanlin and David Lincoln, William and Tami Hanlin, James Hanlin, grandson Spencer Hanlin, granddaughter Madeline Hanlin, Madeline’s mother Sandi Muska and Hunter Lincoln who adopted Jerry as his grandfather! Jerry also leaves a sister Mrs.Thomas (Betty) Jolly, brother Charles (Jarvis) Hanlin, many nieces, nephews, great nieces, and nephews, extended family and many friends. Besides his wife, parents, sisters in-laws Ardith Gilchrist Hanlin and Betty Hastings Morgan and brothers in-laws Thomas Jolly and Frank Morgan. Jerry is also preceded in death this past February by his son Jerry M Hanlin.

The family will receive friends on Monday November 2, 2015 at the Hanlin Funeral Home from 1:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Funeral services will be on Tuesday November 3, 2015 at 11:00 am at the Hanlin Funeral Home with additional visitation time an hour prior to the service. The burial and committal services will follow at the Millington Township Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family has asked that donations be made to the Millington Lions Club or The Pulmonary Fibrosis Association.

Jerry was a true lover of people and never met a stranger. He didn't wear his faith on his sleeve but lived his faith through his actions.

Jerry’s legacy is best stated by his advice "Swing easy, it's just a game" (be it life or golf).

HANLIN FUNERAL HOME

Serving Since 1928