Gerald Brian Missel

Gerald Brian Missel, age 60, Grand Haven, Michigan and Littleton, Colorado, was hit while riding his bike in Littleton on September 24, 2025. He later died, due to significant injuries, on September 30, 2025.

He was born in Dearborn, Michigan in 1965 to Mary Ann and Gerald Missel. He was the youngest of four. Older brother Michael Missel and Sisters Julie Baeten and Carolyn Harlan. He spent his childhood years playing outside, swimming at the neighborhood pool, and sitting underneath the baby grand piano while Mary Ann filled the house with music. Gerald attended West Bloomfield High School where he held swimming records before studying engineering at Michigan State University. His sophomore year, Gerald agreed to help his high school friend try out for the MSU cheer squad because the audition required guy-girl pairs, and though his friend didn't make the team, Gerald was invited to join. That’s where Gerald met his first love, Marnie Jill Johnston. Gerald and Marnie cheered for the Spartans for three football seasons, and attended the Rose Bowl in 1988.

After college, Gerald joined the Marine Corps and became a Naval Aviator and flew UH-1 Hueys. This is where he met two lifelong friends, his flight school roommate Lt. Colonel Rene Martinez, and his wife Eleanor. He was honorably discharged in 1992 as 1st Lieutenant Missel.

Marnie and Gerald were married in 1990 and had two daughters, Riley Savannah and Chase Madison. After Marnie’s death in 1995, he married his second love, Jennifer Ann Austin in 1999. Jennifer and her daughter Olivia Alexandra brought so much light and love to Gerald and his heartbroken family. Gerald and Jennifer welcomed their son Samuel Brent in 2000. Gerald became “Gramps Fondo” in 2019, when Olivia (Daniel Racz) gave birth to her first son Reese Alexander, and then her second son Finn Alister two years later.

In 2020 he transferred to Colorado as the General Manager for California Closets. He managed teams of designers, installers, and other hard-working people that he really respected and cared about. Living in Colorado he also connected with his close friend Will Bolt, fellow transparent recipient. Will spent countless hours helping Gerald perfect his skiing technique. In the spring and summer months they spent time riding bikes together while dreaming of their co-owned bike shop.

Gerald was an important mentor in his community. He was an assistant coach for the Grand Haven High School boy’s swim team, a catechism leader for the boy’s youth group at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, and a ride leader most weekends at Loose Spokes bike shop, where he encouraged and welcomed new riders into the sport.

Everyone who knew Gerald knew how much he loved to ride bikes. And he was most truly himself on a bike–strong, determined, happy, challenging himself, and being a little bossy to the people around him.

Gerald will always be remembered for his love of life, and the way he never stopped learning. We couldn't have asked for a more loving and adventurous dad, brother, grandpa, husband, uncle, cousin, mentor, and friend. His memory will live on in the hearts of everyone who loved him.

Gerald was preceded in death by his first wife Marnie, his parents Mary Ann and Gerald Missel, and is survived by his second wife Jennifer, his children Olivia, Riley, Chase, and Samuel. A memorial service will be held at Olinger Chapel Hill Mortuary & Cemetery in Centennial, CO on October 18, 2025 at 2:00 pm with a reception to follow at the same location from 3:00-5:00 pm.

There is a Visitation with the family October 27, 2025 from 5:00 pm. - 8:00 pm. This will be held at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Grand Haven, Michigan in the Gathering space.

A memorial mass will be celebrated at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Grand Haven, Michigan on October 28, 2025 at 11:00 am. with a luncheon to follow.

Donations can be made to the, We Ride For, cycling group that Gerald rode with and supported.