Jerry D. Roe

Lansing -

Jerry Roe was born in Havre, Montana in 1936, graduated from the College of Great Falls, and served in the Montana Air National Guard. In 1958, he moved to Washington, DC, to become Executive Director of the Young Republican National Federation, and was recruited by Michigan GOP Chairman Elly Peterson to Michigan. Known as the "P.T. Barnum of Michigan Politics," he worked as an aide for Governor George Romney and Congressman Garry Brown. A close ally of Governor William Milliken, he was Executive Director of the state GOP from 1969-79.

History was Jerry's passion. He was President of the Michigan Historical Commission, serving on the commission from 1972-1993. He was fascinated with the Civil War, Lewis & Clark, Route 66, national parks, and anything to do with Montana and Michigan history. In the 1980s, he founded "Montanans in Michigan," one of his great passions, celebrating anyone with even the most tangential connection to his beloved "Big Sky Country." In 1986, the Detroit News named him "Michiganian of the Year," for helping "make living in this state a richer experience for the rest of us."

Among his proudest achievements was engineering President Gerald Ford's 1976 whistle stop train blitz through Michigan, helping Ford win the Michigan primary over Ronald Reagan. He was also state co-chairman for Senator John McCain's surprise victory in the 2000 Michigan GOP primary over George Bush.

An infectious laugh with an interest in anyone from any walk of life, he was tireless in the promotion of the things he cared about, whether the political fortunes of his friends, or the preservation of history. Jerry put his passion for politics and history toward education, spending more than 30 years teaching government at Lansing Community College.

He leaves behind his former wife, Shirley, whom he remained close throughout their lives; his son Jason, who lives in San Diego with his wife and son; and his daughter, Samantha, who lives in Denver.

Jerry Roe got his money's worth out of his 82 years with no regrets. He will be missed. As he would say, "Blue skies and happy trails."

Memorial Services will be held in November. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Lewis & Clark Foundation, PO Box 398, Great Falls, MT 59403. Online condolences may be expressed at www.grlansing.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Lansing State Journal on Sep. 2, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Jerry Roe

Sponsored by Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes.

11 Entries

Andrea Tarry

November 17, 2018

Has a memorial been planned yet? Id like to honor my dads great friend. Please share of a memorial is being planned.

robert mclucas

September 17, 2018

You will never be forgotten,ever!

Kevin Thom

September 16, 2018

Jerry stayed active in his community until the day he passed. He was a precinct delegate and a citizen member of the Eaton County Parks Board for many years. He was also the biggest ticket salesman for the annual Friends of Eaton County Parks fundraiser and a big supporter of Eaton County Hospice in Charlotte. He worked, as a volunteer, at Capitol City Airport for many years too. He was a good volunteer and gave of his time to his community.

I remember Jerry calling me up one night asking me to join him in filling and emplacing sandbags to prevent flood damage in Eaton Rapids a few years back. We did it and were tired afterwards but it was a fun time helping out our community as volunteers.

Blue skies and happy trails to Jerry and his children and grandchildren!

Donald & Jeanette Ristow

September 3, 2018

We were saddened to learn of the passing of our good friend from some years past, a solid American, historian and educator of many of Americas future leaders..Jerry D. Roe. As a Great Falls High graduate; maize and blue aficionado and supporter of down to earth conservative values, we truly enjoyed knowing Jerry, especially as Montanans in Michigan members for several years. Jerry was much more than just an educator. He encouraged and involved his students and friends in the pursuit of learning and discovering history's rich past as well as the many historic aspects of our democracy and its everchanging political landscape which our great nation was founded on.

Jerry spent countless hours searching through old cemeteries near and far for headstones or markings which opened some of historys obscure past. Truly, Jerry Roe was an amazing gentleman and in his own way made our lives a little richer. He enjoyed the respect and admiration of everyone who got to know him.

We give thanks for the many memories of this good man.

Farewell, Jerry you will not soon be forgotten.

The Ristows
Donald and Jeanette
Lakewood Ranch, Florida

Kevin Floyd

September 2, 2018

Jerry was one of my very first college professors. He had an amazing and engaging personality that kept all students focused on him and every word he spoke, no matter their interest in the poli-sci topics we were discussing. I had and will have great memories of his class and his encouragement to be impactful, and have purpose. Thank you Jerry.

Vince Dragonetti

September 2, 2018

Met Jerry in the late 70's as the PT Barnum and he did make me laugh a lot!

Robert McLucas

September 2, 2018

You will be forever remembered. R.J.McLucas

Bill Ballenger

August 31, 2018

Jerry Roe was one of a kind. Controversial, to be sure, and he wouldn't have had it any other way. He is to be commended for bringing many students of history into politics and government. His devotion to the Michigan Historical Commission and its work was legendary ...

August 28, 2018

Jerry,

You will be missed. Thank you for making sure I was comfortable and taken care of in the world of politics.

LaShunda Thomas

Bill Ballenger

August 28, 2018

Jerry Roe was a mainstay of the Michigan Republican Party for years, including as its executive director. He was also a teacher at Lansing Community College. He inspired many teenagers to become interested in politics and government, and to participate in them. He was also a passionate historian and for a long time a member of the Michigan Historical Commission, appointed by successive governors. A native of Montana, Jerry became the quintessential Michigander. "Blue Skies," Jerry!

Jeffrey Bickert

August 27, 2018

I worked for Jerry from 16 -21 years of age, for the Michigan Republican State Committee. Of course, you loose track over the years, but will never forget the fantastic opportunity he provided this teenage boy at the time with their very first job. Great man! Great mentor! R.I.P.

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