Jerry P. Yatooma

Jerry P. Yatooma, age 47, of Livonia, passed away on October 8, 2026, surrounded by his family and loved ones, after a five-year battle with cancer. Jerry was born on January 7, 1979, in Royal Oak, Michigan.

Jerry was the beloved husband of Jennifer for 21 years and devoted father to Peyton and Luke. He was the cherished son of Jerry and Jeanette and treasured brother of Jessica. He was the adored son-in-law of Robert and Lee Gallant and dear brother-in-law of Kenny (Angie) Gallant. He will be especially missed by his dog, Duke.

Jerry’s greatest accomplishment and joy was his family. He was happiest when spending time with Jen, Peyton, and Luke visiting ball parks, taking family vacations, building Legos, or simply spending time at home watching movies together. Jerry ensured that Peyton and Luke understood the value of faith, kindness, friendships, and above all, family.

Jerry graduated from Walled Lake Western High School in 1997. Many of the friendships he forged in high school carried on across the years; he was a proud “Warrior.”

A series of jobs after college eventually steered Jerry into a career in real estate, where he joined the Packer Group in 2010, becoming an invaluable member of their family for the past 16 years. Many of his coworkers valued his advice, mentorship, and ability to make everyone he came in contact with feel heard and appreciated. Jerry’s reputation amongst clients was one of honesty, integrity, and patience. What began as client relationships often blossomed into lifelong friendships.

Jerry was a cornerstone of the community. His impact on the Livonia community will be felt for years to come. Jerry served as vice president of the Livonia Junior Athletic League (LJAL) for several years before being voted president from 2023-2026. His legacy as a baseball coach started with the Livonia Cardinals. He went on to coach with the Michigan Bulls and Stevenson High School, but dearest to his heart were the years spent with the Motown Blues. Jerry was invested in the players and families he worked with. Teaching his athletes lessons on respect, teamwork, and discipline. Jerry recognized the potential in all of his players. Win or lose, Jerry's main passion as a coach was to help his players develop into confident and capable young men. Beyond his role as coach, Jerry was often seen in his community, attending sporting events and competitions for all athletes. He valued relationships and committed to being a reliable supporter of the Livonia athletic community.

Jerry was known for his bear hugs, his smile that brightened the room, and, of course, his incredible moves on the dance floor. Jerry was also a proud member of the Polish Sea League for the past five years. Despite his lack of Polish heritage, he could form a relationship with anyone he came in contact with. Jerry’s friends would tell you that he was counted amongst the closest of their friends not only because Jerry “showed up” for his friends, but because he had a unique way of making you feel like the most important person in the room. This is how he will be lovingly remembered by all those who were luckily enough to know and love him.

Visitation will be held Sunday, October 18, from 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Harry J. Will Funeral Home, 37000 Six Mile Road, Livonia, MI 48152.

An in state will occur Monday, October 19, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at St. Kenneth Catholic Church, 14951 N. Haggerty Road, Plymouth, MI 48170, followed by a funeral mass beginning at 11:00 am. He will be laid to rest at Parkview Memorial Cemetery.

Contributions received in Jerry’s memory will be distributed amongst organizations that Jerry felt passionately about.