Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
620 Washington Ave
Grand Haven, Michigan
Gerald Smith Obituary
Mr. Gerald "Jerry" Smith, age 91, of Grand Haven passed away Sunday, October 27, 2024, at Grand Pines Assisted Living Community. He was born December 3, 1932, in Grand Rapids, to Frank and Violet (VanderVries) Smith. On March 3, 2007, he married the former Hazel Steigenga at Second Christian Reformed Church.
Jerry served in the US Coast Guard and Reserves for 40 years. After graduating from MSU he taught and coached at Lowell High School. He enjoyed coaching football, basketball and golf. He then went into business management with several public schools until retirement from Jackson Public Schools.
Jerry was a former member of Harvest Bible – West Olive and a current member of Second Christian Reformed Church, Lions Club, and the American Legion Post 28. He was active for many years with the Michigan School Business Officials (MSBO) and served as president in 1990. He served as the executive Director of the Coast Guard Festival for 9 years. He was instrumental in Grand Haven receiving the first designation of Coast Guard City USA in 1998. Jerry enjoyed golfing, mentoring, and getting together with family. Most of all he loved God, family, country, walking, and concerts, also he loved MSU football and basketball. GO GREEN!!
He is survived by his wife, Hazel; two children: Mike (Patty) Smith, Laurie (Don) LaBelle; stepchildren: Kim (Dean) Mesman, Kris (Steve) Sparling, Kendall (Patti) Steigenga; fourteen grandchildren; twenty great-grandchildren; and brother, Frank (Jill) Smith. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Amy Stuart; brother, Judd Smith; and his wives, Pat Smith and Barbara Smith.
A funeral service will be 11 a.m. Saturday, November 2, 2024, at Second Christian Reformed Church with Rev. Tim Blackmon officiating. Visitation will be held 4-7 p.m. Friday, November 1, 2024, at The VanZantwick Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services. Interment will take place in Lake Forest Cemetery.
Memorial contributions in memory of Jerry may be given to Love in Action or the VanAndel Institute for research. Please sign the family's online guestbook at www.sytsemafh.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Gerald Smith
3 Entries
Mike Leak
November 12, 2024
Jerry and I became acquainted working through the CGC Woodbine Reunion group and The Coast Guard Festival. Our paths crossed again when Jerry, Hazel, and I served as volunteers at Love INC. Jerry was kind, caring, and passionate about being "all hands on deck" in helping others. Jerry was deeply loved and will be greatly missed!!
Bill Haug
November 9, 2024
I first met Jerry when he was a school district business manager in Jackson in the mid1980´s. He was a valued mentor to me and I often sought his advice and perspectives with issues I was facing in the school district where I was employed. My gratitude to him ... and condolences to his family
Bill Haug
Mike Flanagan
October 30, 2024
Jerry was a great leader. He was an even better person. We served together...he was a wonderful and fun guy. Condolences to the family. mike flanagan
Showing 1 - 3 of 3 results
Make a Donation
in Gerald Smith's name
Memorial Events
for Gerald Smith
Funeral services provided by:
Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services - The VanZantwick Chapel620 Washington Ave, Grand Haven, MI 49417
How to support Gerald's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Gerald Smith's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
Sponsored