Gerald John Fonger

Fonger, Gerald J., age 88, of Flushing, passed away on Thursday, February 13, 2025 at Durand Senior Care.
A memorial service will be held at 1:00pm on Saturday, March 15, 2025 at Rossell Funeral Home, 307 E. Main Street, Flushing, with Pastor Scott Distler officiating. Family and friends will gather from 11:00am on Saturday until the time of service.
Jerry was born in Flushing, Michigan on November 19, 1936, the son of the late Lawrence and Ilene (Anthony) Fonger. He was raised on a farm in Lennon, Michigan. Jerry graduated from Owosso High School in 1955, where he earned a Varisty letter as a member of the wrestling team. On March 23, 1963, he married Judy Putt, and together they shared 61 happy years together. Jerry retired from General Motors in skilled trades after over 30 years. He was a handyman and could always be found in his barn working on something. He had a passion for riding and racing motorcycles and competed in many Michigan Jack Pine races. Jerry was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting and fishing with his son. He loved gardening and was proud to give away his abundance of cherry tomatoes that grew. Jerry was generous and would help anyone he could. He was also involved with the 4H and RSVP in Gaylord. Jerry professed his faith in Jesus and was baptised at First Baptist Church in Flushing on January 22, 1984. Jerry and Judy attended the E-Free Church in Gaylord, where they resided for many years. He lived his faith and it showed in his willingness to serve others.
Jerry is survived by his wife, Judy Fonger of Flushing; son, Mark (Julie) Fonger of Gaylord; daughter, Shelly (Marty) Dow of Montrose; grandchildren, Ashlie (John) Bergeron, Heather (Justin) Cole, Hillary (William) Broomfield, Kaylinn (Jacob) Sian and Connor Dow; great-grandchildren, Owen, Levi, Declan and Raegan; siblings, Jim (Elizabeth) Fonger, Diane (Roger) Rae and Marilynn (Gary) Huber and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Ilene Fonger and siblings, Carol Fonger, Ronnie Fonger and Alan Fonger.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Gerald's memory are suggested to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.