Gerald Foster Quackenbush

Gerald Foster Quackenbush, 82 years young, of Whitmore Lake, set sail for his next great adventure Saturday evening, April 30th. He was surrounded by his three children and the love of his life when he passed away of stage IV adenocarcinoma in his living room. He lived with dignity, grace, and a lighting quick wit till his last breath. Where Jerry went, we’re not entirely sure. He loved to wander through the woods, and suspect he’s found a beautiful patch of birch

just past St. Peter. Though those who knew him best have no doubt he first stopped at the Pearly Gates with a bottle of WD-40 and steel wool. He’s survived by Genevieve “Micky” Quackenbush, his magnetic wife of 62 years who — to date — makes the best German potato salad you’ve ever had. And he was shamelessly proud of his lasting legacy: his daughter and son-in-law Jill Laurich and Dennis Laurich, his son and daughter-in-law Andrew Quackenbush and Dawn Quackenbush, his daughter Kate Quackenbush, and his four grandchildren: Andrew Laurich, Matt Laurich (Amanda), Joe Quackenbush (Alex), and Sarah Yancho (Max) — all of whom carry on his indelible spirit with equal pride. He is preceded in death by his son Kip Matthew, sister Nancy Rigan, and brother-in-law Jack Rigan. Jerry was born in 1933 in Ann Arbor, Michigan to Melvin Foster and Marian Davis Quackenbush. He spent his childhood in Dixboro chasing critters, jumping off bridges, and avoiding bb pellets until he met his match at age twelve in the form of a young firecracker named Micky. They were riding bikes when she pushed him off into a roadside ditch to earn his respect. Nine years later, they married, and he never again questioned her authority. Jerry graduated Ann Arbor High Class of “51”, and promptly joined the US Navy. He proudly served in the SEABEE Construction Battalion during the Korean War where he honed a discipline for neatness that never left a bed unmade or a shop unswept. Jerry then worked as an electrician and member of the IBEW local 252, eventually serving as chief electrical inspector for the University of Michigan until his retirement in 1996. But to say he was an electrician doesn’t nearly do justice to a man of limitless capacity. He was truly a jack of all trades. Jerry was the guy you called to fix a machine when you lost the manual, or build a loft in your apartment. He crafted bows from sticks, invented dryers for your gloves, and learned to paint like Bob Ross. A year after being diagnosed with cancer, he beat his age in golf. He was a carpenter, an artist, an engineer, and a cheerleader. But the thing is, you would never know it.

He was a man of unparalleled grace and humility who taught us more by saying less. To us he was Dad, or Papa, or Sam — a devoted husband, a proud father, and a trusty sidekick. He was a Renaissance man, a towering legend, and our hero. He was so many things and everything at once. In truth, he is the benchmark by which we all measure our lives.

Those who remember him are asked to celebrate his life with a smooth scotch and a song you can whistle to. Instead of sending flowers, Jerry would ask that you lend a hand to your neighbor, listen to nature, and laugh with your family — he would do the same. A memorial service will be on Saturday, May 7, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at the Muehlig Funeral Chapel of Ann Arbor. The family will receive friends at the chapel on Friday, May 6 from 3-8 pm. Please visit www.muehligannarbor.com to leave the family your condolences or fond memories.