Gerald Lynn Tobin

Jerry, known to many friends as "JT," was born on March 18, 1953 and raised in North Dorr, MI, in a community he was proud to be part of. Jerry's early life was spent running back and forth between the backyards of his grandparents' (Harvey and Barbara Selvig) home and the home he grew up in.

On September 10, 1977, Jerry married the love of his life, his Georgia Peach, Annette. She came up to Michigan for a vacation, but Jerry was able to charm her into building a life with him, just two miles from the home he grew up in, where they raised two daughters, Lisa and Carrie. The love and honor he held for Annette was one to be admired and emulated. Jerry shared his passions with Annette and the girls, taking them bluegill fishing, hunting and allowing them to pester him while he worked in the garage, greasing the chain on the second love of his life, his 1981 Harley Davidson motorcycle. Having grown up playing guitar, Jerry found his first fiddle in his early 30’s, and found yet another passion to share with his family.

Jerry was well known throughout the bluegrass music community, and enjoyed playing fiddle with anyone who would play along or tap their toes with him. Most people could not keep up with Jerry's toe tapping, because his foot was always tapping triple time while he played, but he was always on time (If you considered 20 minutes early to be on time for church).

Jerry's devotions to Jesus were firm, but quiet. He was not a preacher by any means, but was a wonderful witness to God by following in Jesus' example of loving well. Jerry worked hard to never miss Mass, even when traveling or vacationing. He instilled the value of "showing up" in everyone who knew him well. He led by quiet example and consistency.

In his home church of St. Sebastian, he served on many committees and assisted with many projects (usually behind the scenes), including his dedication as a 4th Degree Knight with the Knights of Columbus. He was always joyous to stand at the back door of the church, handing out Tootsie Rolls after Mass and taking donations for the Special Olympics on behalf of the Knights, and wore his formal Knight attire proudly, when appropriate. Having served as an altar boy from his youth, his dedication to serving in the church was a part of who he was as a person--even when it meant climbing the belltower (on the rickety ladders) to get the bell cord back on track in the pulley system. Jerry loved making noise, so keeping those bells ringing after Mass in the historical church was worth the climb.

Jerry believed in holding confidence, knowing when to speak up, and investing in the relationships that made you who you are. He attended the nearby Catholic school growing up, and remained connected with some of the sisters that had the challenge of teaching him even until his passing. Jerry was a steadfast, trustworthy, dependable man, and carried those values into everything he did, including the 40 years that he worked for Steelcase. He made many friends on the plant floor. Anyone he worked with has stories of pranking the new guys... sending them to other departments for a bucket of steam, or tying fishing line to steel wool and pulling it across the floor to look like a mouse as the bigwigs walked by. Jerry always enjoyed a good laugh, whether it be at himself or a good buddy. He would often tell his girls, "you gotta keep a sense of humor."

Jerry is preceded in death by his parents Carl Wayne and Anieta Tobin. He is lovingly remembered by his wife of 49 years, Annette (Dickson) Tobin; daughters Lisa (Darren) Scheuneman, Carrie (Dustin) Senneker; grandchildren Kimberly (Brad) Lowery, Bryce Stump, Gavin Senneker, Reegan Senneker, and most recently great-grandchild, Nella Grace Lowery; sisters Jan (Bill) Rietman, Kathleen (Brian) Boerigter; nieces and nephews, special friends, and special honorary son, Joe Loew, who has been an immense sense of comfort to the family in a collective journey with Parkinson's Disease.

A visitation for the public will be held from 4-6 p.m. Friday, August 7, 2026 at Cook Funeral Home (Byron Center Chapel), 2067 84th St. SW, Byron Center, MI 49315, with a Rosary to follow. A funeral Mass will take place 10:30 a.m. Saturday, August 8 at St. Sebastian Catholic Church, 9408 Wilson Ave. SW, Byron Center, with a visitation in the church from 9:30 -10:15 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St. Sebastian Building Fund or St. Sebastian Knights of Columbus Council # 14642, who provided modifications for Jerry to be able to stay in his home on Earth until he was called to his permanent home with Jesus.

The family welcomes memories and messages at www.cookcaresbyron.com in their online guestbook.