Gerald was born in Elmira, Michigan, on April 7th, 1943, to Edward and Gladys (Lyck) Szczepaniak. He spent his early years working on potato farms and in masonry before moving to Lansing, Michigan, where he began his career as a hammerman at Federal Forge. After more than 40 years of dedicated service, he retired. Shortly after arriving in Lansing, Gerald settled in the small farm town of DeWitt in 1964, where he built a wonderful home for his soon to be large family.
Gerald was proud of his Polish heritage and the legacy of his immigrant grandparents. He cherished his childhood and the years he spent growing up in Elmira. A talented basketball player, he played on a championship team, Gaylord St. Mary, at Jenison Field House at Michigan State University. Later in life, he went back to finish school and proudly graduated from Haslett High School in 1986. Gerald loved fishing, hunting, and spending time outdoors, simple pleasures that brought him great joy throughout his life.
His Catholic faith was an important part of who he was. Gerald was one of the founding members of St. Jude Catholic Church in DeWitt and remained a devoted Catholic throughout his life. Just two days before his passing, Father David Speicher administered the Anointing of the Sick, offering Gerald the comfort, blessings and peace of his faith.
Above all, Gerald was a proud father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He is survived by his five children, all of whom took great care of him in his final years: Terence Gerald (Cindy) Szczepaniak; twins Garry Edward Szczepaniak and Sharry Ann (Mark) Schafer; Joel Peter (Donna) Szczepaniak; and Shelly Lynn (Marc) Beyer.
He also leaves behind his beloved grandchildren: Brendon (Jourdin) Szczepaniak, Tori (Chyan) Marks, Jessica (Chris) Toner, Garred (Lyndsey) Szczepaniak, Ara (Brianna) Szczepaniak, Dani (Jacob) Waldo, Morgan (Marco) Gerini-Romagnoli, Cole (Daianna) Szczepaniak, Owen (Karissa) Beyer, Ryan (Alexis Spratto) Szczepaniak, Edward (Lauren Travis) Beyer, and Alexa Beyer.
His legacy continues through his great-grandchildren: Reese and Sutton Szczepaniak; Amelia, Nolan, and Charlotte Szczepaniak; Jaxton Szczepaniak; and Poppi and Nico Toner.
Gerald is also survived by his special friend and caretaker, Patricia Heaton, whose loving companionship, kindness, and devoted care were an invaluable part of his life in his later years, and his family is very grateful.
Gerald was preceded in death by many loved ones who are surely welcoming him into Heaven with the sounds of Polish music. They include his parents, Edward and Gladys; his brother, Don (Julia) Szczepaniak; his sister, Christine (Bob) Francis; and his twin sister, Geraldine (Kenny) Kierczynski. Great grandson Milo Szczepaniak.
He is also reunited with dear friends he missed over the years: Edward Nowak, Jakey Kurth, Lee Stauffer, Ed Price, and Gerry Brocker.
Gerald leaves behind a family who loved him deeply, a home filled with memories, and a legacy showing his hard work, family, faith, and pride in his Polish heritage. May he rest in eternal peace, surrounded by those who went before him and may the polka music keep playing.
A visitation for Gerald will be held Thursday, October 15, 2026, from 4:00pm to 7:00pm with a Rosary Service to begin at 6:30pm at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, 205 E. Washington St. DeWitt, MI 48820. A funeral mass will take place Friday, October 16, 2026, at 10:00am with a visitation starting at 9:30am at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 2567 Buell Rd, Elmira, Michigan 49730. Interment to follow at St. Thomas Aquinas Cemetery.
