Gerald E. Currie

Gerald Edward Currie - (85) “Jerry” went to his eternal home in heaven on October 2, 2018 (Grand Blanc, MI) (Winter Haven, FL). Jerry was born in Harbor Beach, MI. on December 15, 1932 to Peter and Dorothy Currie. Peter was a pharmacist and Dorothy was trained as a secretary, but chose to stay home and raise their 7 children (of which Jerry was the 4th).

He was raised in Flint area and graduated from Flint Central High School in 1951, which is where he met his high school sweetheart, Madelyn, who later became his wife. After High School he attended Meinzinger Art School in Detroit. He also attended G.M.I. Jerry dreamed of becoming a famous cartoonist, but instead was hired as a designer of automation for GM at Fisher Body in Grand Blanc. He married Madelyn Halstead on June 20, 1953. Jerry and Madelyn celebrated 65 years of marriage this year. They raised four children in Burton, MI. Jerry loved to draw, sketch, do oil paintings, and acrylic paintings in later years. His landscape paintings are famous among those who know and love him and displayed with love in their homes. In 2017 much of his recent work was displayed in an art show at Home Instead, Winter Haven, FL.

His artwork, designs, and signs were enjoyed by all who knew him. He was also a talented builder and designed many things for friends and family. Some of the things he designed and built were rocking horses, playhouses, bridges, water wheels, lighthouses, barns, and home additions.

After retirement, Jerry and Madelyn moved to Winter Haven, Florida, where they have been active in their community for over 20 years. They would return to Michigan for special occasions. In May of this year, they moved to Grand Blanc to be near family. However, they considered Winter Haven their home. They were members of many communities and churches, all of which benefited from his generosity. He showed his love by sharing his talents. Jerry loved to laugh, joke, play cards, shuffleboard, square dance and dine out.

When his grandchildren were small he would draw a cartoon on their hands and they each got to take home their own Grandpa Currie original drawing. He always had to wear a shirt with pockets because he had to have his pen and paper handy to draw on or make a list or design. His niece said that he made the pocket protector “cool”.

He was known for his kindness, humility, and generosity to everyone. His family affectionately called him “Generous Jerry”. Gerald is survived by his loving wife, Madelyn; his children Mark (Lavina) Currie of Georgia, Michelle (Robert) Rottiers of Davison, MI, Pamela (David) Shaffer of Davison, MI, Kimberly (John) Fechik of Grand Blanc, MI. He will also be missed by his surviving siblings: Richard (Diana) Currie of Florida, Stuart (Lois) Currie of Alabama, and Martha Armstrong of Michigan. Beloved by many nieces and nephews, 14 grandchildren: Carrie (Cody) Small of Colorado, Ben (Alisha) Currie of Florida, Caitlyn Currie of Florida, Rachael Currie of Georgia, Mathew Currie of Georgia, Nathan Currie of Georgia, Aaron Currie of Georgia, Jason (Lisa) Rottiers of Michigan, Aubree (Sam) Kraut of Michigan, Kelsey (James) Pray of Michigan, Corrie (Matt) Arthur of Michigan, Jordan (Stephanie) Shaffer of Michigan, John (Sarah) Fechik of Nevada, Jennifer (Zack) Garcia of Arizona.15 great grandchildren (and 2 on the way): Isaac, Paisley, Roman, and Beckham Rottiers; Ethan and Shawn Kraut; Shepherd and Hazel Pray; Reece, Tate, and Deacon Arthur; Lilah and Thomas Shaffer; Kolten Caraker, and Jesse Lange.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, and three sisters: MaryAlice Byrne, Shirley Taeckens Hooper, and Catherine Wilhelm. The family would like to thank The Care Team Hospice for all their help, especially Nicole. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations made to The Care Team Home Health & Hospice.

It was Jerry’s wish to be cremated, but we will be celebrating his life in a memorial to be held on November 14, 2018 at First Baptist Church, 408 E. Fourth St., Davison, MI 48423. Visitation from 2:00-3:00pm with Memorial Service at 3:30pm.

There will be an additional memorial service in Winter Haven, FL on January 28 at St John’s United Methodist Church.