Gerald "Jerry" Louis Pearl II

Gerald “Jerry” Louis Pearl II, age 57, passed away on February 19, 2023 surrounded by loved ones after a courageous battle with cancer. Jerry was born in Grand Rapids on July 8, 1965 to Gerald & Doris (Sikorski) Pearl, Sr. The first boy and fourth of their five children.

After graduating from Northview High School, Jerry spent time attending classes at Davenport University. He then spent many years managing movie theaters in the United Artist network. Eventually, he took a position as a route driver for Continental Services. A hard worker, he only stepped back from his career when his health required him to slow down.

When he wasn’t working, Jerry loved to travel. He enjoyed bicycling, camping in Owosso and Traverse City and taking cruises. He especially loved laying on Maho Beach St. Maarten, known for the large planes that fly low overhead as they head into the airport. He had a fascination with all things

aviation and even held his pilot’s license for a while after attending Spartan School of Aeronautics in Oklahoma.

A great chef, Jerry was known for his seafood boils and steak dinners as well as various appetizers and his spice mix. He loved trying new recipes while keeping traditional family recipes around even after the passing of his mother. Many weekends in the fall were spent making her famous “chili

sauce”.

Most importantly, Jerry loved to have fun. The endless camping stories, travel tales and laughter found in daily life will remain treasured memories for all of his family.

Jerry is survived by his father Gerald (Jerry) Pearl, his siblings: Mary Viilo, Brenda (Bob) Truskoski, Ann (Tom) Vos and Mike Pearl; fondly remembered as “Uncle Jupiter” by his nieces and nephews: Brianne (Jordan) Ide, Casey (Jake) Wagner, Tyler Truskoski, Tayler (Jake) Martin, Haley Vos and Hannah Vos; great-niece and nephews: Everly, Ezekiel, Elijah & Ezra Ide and Jonah Martin; his dear, devoted friend Kymberly Farmer and close friends: Scott (Kristie) Jolman, Henri Lowe and Mike VanSpronsen as well as countless cousins, friends, coworkers and camping neighbors. He is also leaving behind his beloved cat Patches.

Jerry was preceded by his mother, Doris.

His family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to Kym for her friendship and care during the last few years and for always answering when he rang the bell.

A memorial service for Jerry will be held on Friday February 24, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. at Reyers North Valley Chapel where the family will receive friends for an hour prior to the service.

Memorial donations in Jerry’s name may be made to the Karmanos Cancer Institute - Detroit where he received the majority of his treatment.