Jerry Wolters

Jerry Lee Wolters, age 78 of Byron Center, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, March 20, 2026. Surrounded by the family he adored, Jerry completed a long and courageous battle with cancer—a final sacrifice tied to his dedicated service in Vietnam.

Born on October 26, 1947 to Clarence and Rena (Harkema) Wolters, Jerry was a lifelong son of Byron Center. After graduating from South Christian High School, he answered the call to serve in the U.S. Army. Just days before shipping off to Vietnam, he married the love of his life, Sally Peterson, on November 17, 1966. Their marriage stood as a testament to devotion for nearly 60 years.

Upon his return, Jerry began a career as a Telecom technician that spanned decades, working with Michigan Bell, AT&T, Avaya, and Lucent Technologies. He was particularly well-known for his years as the dedicated on-site technician at Steelcase, where his expertise and reliability were deeply valued.

Jerry was a man of precision and pride. His yard and flower beds were always immaculate, and his vehicles were famously kept in “showroom new” condition. In retirement, he found simple joys in "killing time" at Costco and frequenting Marge’s Donuts. His kindness was perhaps best felt at the Lemmen-Holton Cancer Center; even while undergoing his own treatments, Jerry never arrived empty-handed, always bringing a fresh batch of donuts to brighten the day for the staff and fellow patients.

His legacy lives on through his wife, Sally; three sons and their wives: Jeffrey and Jessica Wolters, Matthew and Cathy Wolters (all of Byron Center), and Bradley and Claire Wolters of East Grand Rapids. He was the proud grandfather of Cameron, Brady, Ella, Breslin, Eva, and Hudson. He is also survived by his siblings Eugene (Ruth) Wolters, Gloria Tubergen, and Calvin (Rose) Wolters; and sister-in-law, Judy Wolters. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Ken; and brother-in-law, Bernie Tubergen.

Funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Friday, March 27, 2026 at Cornerstone Church, 1675 84th St. SE, Caledonia, MI 49316, followed by military honors and a luncheon. Burial will take place at Winchester Cemetery.

Friends may meet the family from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Thursday, March 26 at the Byron Center Chapel of Cook Funeral Home, 2067 84th St. SW, and again on Friday morning from 10–11 a.m. at the church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to the Lemmen-Holton Cancer Center or Corewell Health Hospice and Palliative Care of West Michigan. The family welcomes memories and messages at www.cookcaresbyron.com in their online guestbook.