Gerald Thornton Luther

Originally from Saginaw, Michigan, Jerry began his studies at the University of Michigan’s School of Engineering in 1948 before leaving to serve in Korea. After his military service, he returned to Ann Arbor, and graduated during the great era of American road building. Jerry would spend the next 35-years as a civil engineer with the Michigan Department of Transportation, contributing to bridge and road design projects throughout the state. Following his retirement, he worked as a consulting engineer with CTE Engineers in Chicago and later partnered with his wife, Shireen, and her son, Tom, to establish TomCo Asphalt in 2003. Even in retirement, Jerry enjoyed mentoring younger colleagues, often saying that continuing to work kept him young.

A proud Wolverine, he rarely missed a chance to cheer on the Maize & Blue in football or basketball. He loved a good book, winter escapes to California, summer weekends at Torch Lake, card games, and his nightly Manhattan.

While working at MDOT, Jerry met Jeanne Saxman, and they were married in 1960. They shared 31 years together before her passing in 1991. In 1993, he married Shireen Wentland and was grateful to gain a second family, treasuring 32 years with her, her children and grandchildren before her passing in 2025.

Jerry was the father who showed up — to rainy track meets, volleyball games, tennis matches, and cheer competitions — and the grandfather whose steady presence became a given. His pride in his grandchildren’s accomplishments was evident to all who knew him. A true gentleman to the end, Jerry lived his life with generosity, always giving to his family and his community. Affectionately known by his children and grandchildren as “GT” or “Gpa,” his wisdom, quiet guidance, and humor will be deeply missed.

Jerry is survived by his loving children: Janet Wolff (BJ) of Traverse City, Michigan; Amy Nowlan (Kevin) of Bloomfield Hills, Michigan; Mark Luther of Kentucky; Laura Engerman (Matthew) of Bayside, Wisconsin; Jennifer Worrey (Stephen) of Huntingtown, Maryland; and Thomas Wentland (Debbie) of Mason, Michigan.

He was a proud grandfather to fourteen: Audrey and Benjamin Wolff; Elena and Annabelle Nowlan; Ana Zoe Luther, Keegan Luther, and Sierra Johnson (Seth); Gregory Andrews (Christa) and Victoria Andrews; Stephen Thomas Worrey, Kristin Seklecki (Mitchell), and Daniel Worrey; and Anne VanKirk (Travis) and Elaine Bandy (Tyler) and a cherished great-grandfather to eleven: Jayden Luther; Mia and Donovan Nicholson; Saint Johnson; Addilyn Gibson and Archer Andrews; Makenzie and Emilia Seklecki; Georgia Bandy; and Gavin and Andrew VanKirk.

As a long term Kiwanian, donations may be made in Jerry’s memory to the Mason Kiwanis Club.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 5 from 6-8pm at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Home, 621 S. Jefferson, Mason, Michigan. Funeral will be Friday, March 6 at 11am at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Home with a visitation beforehand at 10am.