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Jerome L. "Jerry" Sieracki

About

Central Michigan University

FUNERAL HOME

Pederson Funeral Home - Rockford

127 N Monroe Street NE

Rockford, Michigan

Jerome Sieracki Obituary

Sieracki, Jerome "Jerry" L. Jerome Leonard "Jerry" Sieracki, age 78, of The Villages, FL and formerly of Gaylord, MI and Grand Rapids, MI, passed away Saturday, March 25, 2017. Jerry was born in Grand Rapids, MI on October 29, 1938. He is a proud graduate of Grand Rapids Catholic Central High School and Central Michigan University. His years spent in Mt. Pleasant at CMU as a football player and education major set the stage for his path into teaching and coaching. Mr. Sieracki spent over 30 years in Grand Rapids and Gaylord working in various school systems. He was a principal, assistant principal, athletic director, and teacher during his career. However, without question his passion was coaching. In 1967, it was Jerry's coaching passion that returned he and his young family to Grand Rapids to become a teacher, head football coach, and head track coach at Grand Rapids Catholic Central. He possesses a true talent to get the most out of young people and drive them to achieve more than they thought they could. A competitive spirit and tenacious desire to out prepare his opponent set him apart both on and off the playing field. Jerry is survived by his wife of 54 years, Virginia Ann Weller Sieracki. Virginia is a graduate of Rockford High School and Central Michigan University. He is also survived by his children Scott & Melissa Sieracki of Rockford, MI, Steve & Tracy Sieracki of Acworth, GA, and Shane & Tonya Sieracki of Alpharetta, GA. Jerry and Virginia are very proud that all three of their sons were raised in Grand Rapids, MI and all three graduated from Northview High School. The pride and joy of Mr. Sieracki's life are his 8 grandchildren; Sebastian, Seton, Ryne, Lizzy, Sierra, Sawyer, Sterling, and Stafford. Ranging in age from 25 to 10, his grandchildren always brought a smile to his face. Keeping up with all grandchildren activities and sports was a challenge but it made him extremely proud. A Mass of Christian Burial for Mr. Sieracki will be celebrated on Saturday, April 1, 2017, at Our Lady of Consolation Catholic Church, 4865 11 Mile Road NE, Rockford, MI at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be at Bostwick Lake Cemetery. Friends and family can visit with the Sieracki family on Friday, March 31, 2017, from 2:00 until 4:00 p.m. and from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Pederson Funeral Home, 127 N. Monroe Street NE, Rockford, MI 49341.

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Published by Grand Rapids Press from Mar. 25 to Mar. 28, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Jerome Sieracki

19 Entries

Mike Flinn

April 8, 2017

What a great guy and boss. Jerry was always there for his staff and supported them 100percent. I enjoyed working with him and think of him often. You always knew where you stood with Jerry. God watch over him in your heavenly kingdom.

Ed Sqndri

March 31, 2017

We offer or condolences to the Sieracki family on the death of Jerry. We knew Jerry during the time he was principal of Gaylord High School and I was the Intermediate School Principal. Jerry was a busy man during those years as he closed the old Gaylord High School and open the new and present Gaylord High School. The opening went very smoothly due in a good part to Jerry's leadership and administrative skill. Thank you, Jerry, for the many good years you gave the Gaylord Community Schools! RIP!

March 30, 2017

I have great memories of Jerry and Ginny. I always appreciated his guidance and support . You will be in my prayers. Helen Crandall

Stella Humy

March 30, 2017

Thoughts and prayer to the family

chad dutcher

March 30, 2017

God bless the Sieracki family and know my thoughts and prayers are with you. Jerry was a great guy who was an excellent principal, and good friend.

March 29, 2017

I was a roommate and fraternity brother of Jerry during his time at CMU. We also had a previous connection in respect to bowling. Jerry's mom and my godmother Kate Zannela were on the Marion Ladewig bowling team back in the 50's. We also both married girls with the same first names Virginia. Jerry was in the truest sense of the word a real brother to me, as neither of us had a blood brother. We stopped in a couple of times to see him for a short visit. Our hearts go out to the family and friends and prayers as well. Jerome and Virginia Priebe ([email protected])

March 29, 2017

My sympathy goes out to Ginnie and boys. I didn't think anyone could replace our late principal in Gaylord but Jery more then did the job. As a coach and teacher on staff he became a friend and mentor to me, always encouraging and honest. Over the years I have always kept him in my prayers and thoughts and now know he is safe. Dave Wenzel

March 29, 2017

I had the privilege of working with Coach Sieracki when I Egan my professional career atGR Catholic Central. He was a leader and a mentor. I learned much from him . Gods blessings on his family during this time. Terry Bocian/Aquinas College

Dave & Sharon Slobodnik

March 28, 2017

Sending thoughts and prayers to Jerry's family. We were so sorry to hear of Jerry's passing.

Ted Lewakowski

March 28, 2017

Coach was a great teacher. Taught me about being prepared. I owe much of my business success to Coach Sieracki. CC 70

Rosemary Czubaj

March 27, 2017

With heart felt condolences to the whole family. As a young girl, I have fond memories of Jerry dancing at family events, He was a great dancer, so "light" on his feet. Goodbye Dear Cousin. May you continue to dance in your new life.

Michael Renberg

March 27, 2017

Sieracki Family,
When I arrived at Catholic Central in 1967 he wasn't that much older than we were, but he exuded a confidence and demeanor that made discipline a lesson rather than a punishment. He was a great teacher, coach, and when needed, listener. We are all better for knowing him and having him shape our young lives. Find peace in knowing he made a difference. God bless you in this difficult time.

Constance Penning

March 27, 2017

Warm thoughts and prayers are sent to to Jerry's Family on his passing. Gone too soon.

March 27, 2017

I have known Jerry for over 65 years. First as a camper, then as a counselor at Camp Manitou-Lin. He was a special man with a very outgoing personality.
He was dedicated to what he did and brought out the best in whom he taught
and coached.
It has been several years since we last
met but I will have very fond memories
of Jerry.
Deepest sympathy and prayers to all the
members of his family.
Rev. Tom Bos
Palmetto, Fla.

March 27, 2017

I had the privilege of playing on Coach Sieracki's first team at CC in 1967. He was a great coach and man.
Dan Tenfelde

Heather Sieracki

March 27, 2017

With sincere condolences to the entire family. I'm sure Jerry will truly be missed.

Susan Cleland

March 27, 2017

Jerry and Ginny were like "my 2nd parents" when I was in high school at Catholic Central I babysat for all 3 of their beautiful sons. I also spent a remarkable summer with them at Camp Henry as their babysitter and enjoyed the time of my life. I have the most fond memories of times spent with Jerry, Ginny, Scott, Steve and Shane. This world is a better place because of "Mr. Sieracki" and his family. Hugs to all and may wonderful memories bring you comfort.

Tom Nezwek

March 26, 2017

I brought the GR Herald to Gerry's house for many years before he was a mentor to us rookie counselors at Camp Manitoulin. I remember a young German counselor kidding him about being heavy and slow. Gerry raced him and won. It's also hard to forget his folksinging by campfire..."Pass the Madeira my dear..." He was larger than life and a good role model.

Richard Wentworth

March 25, 2017

I worked with Jerry at Rockford High School in summer Driver's Ed. I was honored to be one of his colleagues !!!

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