Gerald Ernest Nyland

Gerald "Jerry" Ernest Nyland, age 70, of Westland, Michigan passed away on Thursday, July 8, 2021. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Eleanor. He is survived by his wife Vivian, his daughters Kristina (Jeff) and Roseanne "Rosie" (Casey), his grandsons Cameron and Charlie, and many cousins and close family friends.

Jerry was born on May 24, 1951 to Ernest and Eleanor Nyland and was an only child. He worked at Ford Motor Company as a stationary steam engineer for over 25 years. He had a four year certificate from the Henry Ford Community College trade school. He later earned an Associates Degree in Computer Science from Schoolcraft College.

Jerry enjoyed spending time with Vivian, family, friends, and his dogs Apollo and Zeus. Jerry and Vivian were married for 45 years after having dated for four years. His hobbies included gardening, shopping (especially at Trader Joe's) and watching TV (especially Hallmark movies) with his wife, hanging out at classic car shows with his red ‘68 Ford Mustang and studying the Italian language. Jerry recently became a fan of Italian films with English subtitles. He was also an avid Star Trek fan and had amassed a huge collection of Star Trek novels and biographies of the actors that he read whenever he had the chance. Prior to Covid he enjoyed attending church weekly and eating in restaurants and was just getting back to these activities.

Throughout Kristina and Rosie's school years he attended every single school event that they were involved in - from dance recitals to music recitals to band and orchestra concerts to marching band events. Before they could drive he took them to music lessons on a regular basis. Jerry's interest in science encouraged Kristina's passion for astronomy and was happy that she became a radio astronomer. He also was glad that Rosie decided to pursue a career in geology.

Jerry enjoyed trips with Vivian to Texas, Virginia, Washington DC, Baltimore, New Mexico, Florida, Toronto, Niagara Falls, Chicago, Cedar Point, northern Michigan (especially Mackinaw City, Mackinac Island, Frankenmuth, Traverse City, the Upper Peninsula), Hawaii, and Italy

Every spring Jerry and Vivian had fun collecting a variety of vegetable, herb, and flower plants from various garden centers for their annual garden. Jerry did most of the work planting and weeding and was happy to bombard Vivian with lots of vegetables to cook. He especially enjoyed letting his dogs pick and eat fresh green beans directly from the plants. This past spring he created a beautiful butterfly garden for Vivian.

Jerry was also a fan of Ringo Starr music and the Dave Clark Five and enjoyed listening to their music. He was a Detroit Red Wings fan and enjoyed watching hockey playoff games, especially if Canadian teams were involved. He attended concerts for a variety of artists including Ringo, Paul McCartney, Bob Seger, Josh Groban, and IL Volo. Almost every summer he and Vivian used to attend the patriotic Salute to America concert with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra along with the live cannons and fireworks at Greenfield Village. He enjoyed attending ANY and EVERY party that family and friends invited him to attend. Jerry will be remembered as a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. His kindness, warmth, and sense of humor will be deeply missed.

A visitation for Jerry will be held Sunday, July 11, 2021 from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Harry J Will Funeral Homes, 37000 W. Six Mile Road, Livonia, Michigan 48152 with a scripture service at 7:00 pm. A visitation before mass will occur Monday, July 12, 2021 at 10:30 am at St. Colette Catholic Church, 17600 Newburgh Rd, Livonia, Michigan 48152 followed by a Catholic mass at 11:00 am.

Memorial contributions in Gerald’s name may be made to the Michigan Humane Society and/or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or to any food bank.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.HarryjWillLivonia.com for the Nyland family.