Jerry Lee Thayer

He was born on April 6, 1941, in Jackson, Michigan, the son of the late Clarence and LeBelle (Lyons) Thayer.

Upon graduating high school, Jerry entered Michigan State University where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Design. While he was at Michigan State, he was on their weightlifting team with records that still stand today. He continued to enjoy weightlifting late into life. He was involved in Powerlifting for Athletes in Action. After college, he served his country honorably in the United States Marine Corp in Hawaii and later, took over the operations of Thayer Manufacturing in Vander Cook Lake, Michigan. He was the owner and founder of Thayer’s Gym in Jackson, Michigan. Jerry loved the water; he was the founder of the Pine Riders Water Ski Club and was a member of the Coldwater Lake Board. He loved to be outdoors, whether it was on the water, fly fishing or hunting. He enjoyed his dogs and gardening and will be remembered for his ability to fix anything, his artistic talents in drawing caricatures and for his dad humor and “Thayer-puns”.

Jerry is survived by his wife of 57 years, Barbara (Schei) Thayer, whom he married on June 30, 1968; his children, Todd (Crystal) Thayer of Goshen, Indiana, Scott (Angela) Thayer of Greenville, Ohio and Rebecca Thayer of Elkhart, Indiana; his grandchildren, Lindsey (Ethan)Tauscher of Pitsburg, Ohio, Ross (Maia)Thayer of South Jordan, Utah, Everett Schoetzow of Elkhart, Indiana, Chase Thayer of Goshen, Indiana and Cooper Schoetzow of Bloomington, Indiana; his great grandchildren, Finley and Norah.

In addition to his parents, Jerry was preceded in death by his sisters, Gwen Williams and Marge Haspelmath.

A celebration of life will be held at 7:00 PM on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at The Greenville VFW, 219 North Ohio Street in Greenville with Pastor Tony Price officiating. The family will receive guests on Wednesday from 5:00 PM until the time of the service at the VFW.

Memorial Contributions may be made in Jerry's honor to Tunnels to Towers, 2361 Hyman Blvd. Staten Island, NY, 10306

Condolences for the family may be expressed through www.zecharbailey.com