Gerard "Gerry" Nelem

Gerard (“Gerry”) Nelem died Thursday, April 20, 2023, in Sun Lakes, Arizona. Gerry was born in Detroit, MI on August 25, 1947, the youngest of three children from Dudley & Josephine Nelem. After graduating from Wayne State University, Gerry worked as a teacher when he met the love of his life Christine Zelewski. When he and Christine began a family with their daughter Jolee he began his 40 year career at State Farm Insurance. He was an agent, manager, and Agency Director in Michigan before being elected as a Vice President of Agency for State Farm in Arizona. He and his family including daughter Jennifer transferred to Phoenix, Arizona in 1993. Gerry cherished time with his family including many travels and adventures. In recent years many memories were made with his grandkids Ava & Caleb in California. His smile and kind nature were contagious and he always showed gratitude to others. Gerry was preceded in death by his parents, brother and sister. He is survived by his beloved wife Christine, his daughters, Jolee Bentley (Brandon Bentley), and Jennifer Nelem as well as grandchildren Ava & Caleb Bentley. Gerry is remembered as a man that loved his family and was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He will be dearly missed and forever in our hearts.

A memorial celebration of his life will take place at:

Valley of the Sun Mortuary & Cemetery 10940 East Chandler Heights Rd., Chandler, AZ 85248 on Thursday, June 1st, 2023 at 11am with a reception immediately following the service.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.valleyofthesunfuneralhome.com for the Nelem family.