Gerald Oliver "Gerry" Corkin

Gerald Oliver 'Gerry' Corkin, 82, of Negaunee, passed away Thursday afternoon, September 21, 2023 at UP Health System Marquette with his loving family at his side.
Gerry was born June 1, 1941 in Ishpeming to George and Adele (Nelson) Corkin, graduated from Ishpeming High School, Class of 1959, where he excelled both scholastically and in athletics. He continued his education at Northern Michigan University where he earned his Bachelor's and Master's Degrees in Education. Gerry worked as a school teacher for a year in Munising before beginning his longtime job as a 6th grade teacher for Gwinn Public Schools. Gerry began dating Kay Billings during their time at IHS, and they married on August 24, 1963. Their time as a couple spanned almost 70 years.
Gerry's commitment to public service was second to none, spanning over 50 years, including 37 years as a Marquette County Commissioner. His passion for strengthening communities through economic development was recently recognized when the new access road for the airport was named Gerry Corkin Drive. Due to his dedication to countless boards and commissions serving residents across the Upper Peninsula, he is highly respected throughout Marquette County, across the Upper Peninsula, and in Lansing. At the time of Gerry's passing he was the 3rd longest serving county commissioner across the State of Michigan.
Gerry's political career began as a Negaunee City Councilmember. In 1985, he was elected to the Marquette County Board of Commissioners and was chairperson of that board for over 30 years. Gerry took pride in ensuring the County was a well-oiled machine with top notch employees who set an example for other municipals to follow. As board chair, he was instrumental in leading the charge to ensure the long-term financial viability of the organization. A former Gwinn school teacher and union president, Gerry was a strong union supporter and truly cared for each and every County employee.
Gerry's service extended beyond the County to countless organizations across the Upper Peninsula. He was chair of the Central Upper Peninsula Planning and Development Regional Commission (CUPPAD), a board member for the Michigan Association of Counties (MAC), served on the Board of Directors and Board of Commissioners for the Upper Peninsula Commission for Area Progress (UPCAP), was chair of the UP 911 Authority, chair of the MI Works Administrative Board, and was a long-standing member of the Negaunee Parks & Recreation Commission. Gerry was truly one of a kind and will be deeply missed by all that knew and loved him.
Mr. Corkin was a longtime member of Marquette Hope UMC, Mitchell Campus, previously known as Mitchell United Methodist Church, Negaunee. His love for his community was only surpassed by his love for his family. Gerry never missed his evening dinners with family, and ended every evening with a goodnight kiss, and a loving, "God Bless." He truly loved competition and athletics both as a participant and spectator, rarely missing a Negaunee Miners sporting event, and was also a longtime coach in the Negaunee Little League. He also loved being at the family camp on Big Perch Lake, playing cards and being with his family and friends. Everything Gerry did was done with purpose and dedication, and he was honored to be able to assist so many people in his beloved community.
Surviving are his loving wife, Kay Corkin; two sons, Gerry E. Corkin of Marquette and Gregg (Suzy) Corkin of Ishpeming; his daughter, Paula (Ronald) Corkin-Pierce of Eau Claire, WI; four grandchildren: Andrew Corkin, Jamie Corkin, Jarroed (Abigayle) Pierce, and Aireka Pierce; three great-grandchildren: Zachary, Abby and Oakleigh; two brothers-in-law, Joesph (Anne) and Kurt (Donna) Billings; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins; and countless friends and collegues.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his in-laws, Joe and Aili Billings; and his brother, Robert Corkin.
Funeral services will be held at 5:00 PM on Thursday, September 28th at Marquette Hope Methodist Church-Mitchell Campus, Negaunee, with Rev. Chris Hintz and Rev. Kristi Hintz officiating. Burial will be in the Negaunee Cemetery. The family will greet relatives and friends from 3:00 PM until the start of services at 5:00 PM at the church on Thursday.