Jerome Ernest Showalter

Jerome Ernest Showalter
12/04/2025
Jerome Ernest Showalter, 83, of Onekama, passed away at Munson Medical Center, in Traverse City, on December 4, 2025. He was born on October 13, 1942, in Manistee, to the late Ernest and Grace (Deal) Showalter. Jerome married the love of his life, Cheryl G. Hasty, on April 6, 1968.
He grew up in Onekama and graduated from Onekama High School with the class of 1960. After, he completed a degree at the DeVry Institute of Technology in Chicago, where he returned for his 80th birthday to enjoy a Chicago Dog. He was drafted into the US Military and was very proud to serve his country during the Vietnam War. He joined the Army's 25th Infantry Division in Hawaii and then Vietnam as a radio technician from 1964-1966, earning the Army Commendation Medal and Army Good Conduct Medal. He established Portage Wire Systems in Onekama in 1975 and remained active in its operations. Though he didn't have any patents he designed many gadgets to simplify production.
Jerome enjoyed his collection of fast Ford cars, going on long drives when the weather was nice and featuring them often in Onekama Schools's Homecoming parades. An avid cyclist, he participated in the DALMAC Bicycle Tour many times with his biking partner Robert Porter. For many years, he competed in bowling leagues in Manistee. He often visited Little River Casino to play Keno, his favorite game. More than anything, he enjoyed spending time with family, whether it was coming along on camping trips, supporting his grandchildren at their sporting events, making the rounds for holiday celebrations, claiming the corner by the Blue Slipper for front row seats to the Onekama Days Parade, or simply hanging out together, not doing much.
He was a loving husband, father, brother, grandpa and great-grandpa. He will be deeply missed by: his children, Andrew "Sandy" (Linda) Showalter, Greg (Teri) Gale, Troy Gale (Amber Giles) and Scott Gale; sons-in-law, John DeRosia and Melvin Cebula; sister, Marilyn (Bill) Acker; grandchildren, Hope Showalter, Cheryl Showalter, Rachel (Jamie) Lindeman, Corey (Marlee) Gale, Ryan (Jessica) Cebula, Cheryl Dunham, Stewart Cebula, Crystal (Matt) Evans, Nathan (Rose) Cebula, Joshua (Makayla) Cebula, John DeRosia Jr (Kendra Mallison), Jeremy (Jessica) DeRosia, Haley (Charles) Nielsen, Christoper Gale and Alissa Gale; 30 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and dear lifelong friend, Mary Ann Herkelrath Krolczyk.
Jerome was preceded in death by: his wife, Cheryl; parents; daughters, Charlene DeRosia and Lori Cebula; and sister, Kathleen Showalter.
A funeral service will be held Saturday, December 13, 2025, at Onekama Church of the Brethren at 11 a.m. with Pastor Frances Townsend officiating. Visitation will be Friday December 12, 2025, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Terwilliger Funeral Home, in Kaleva. The family will also be at church on Saturday one hour prior to service. Burial will take place in the spring.
Memorials may be made in Jerome's honor to Onekama Church of the Brethren, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or the Onekama Lions Club.
The Terwilliger Funeral Home, in Kaleva, is in charge of arrangements.
www.terwilligerfuneralhome.com.