Gerald H. Heinrich

GERALD H. HEINRICH Gerald "Jerry" H. Heinrich, age 86, of Au Gres, Michigan, passed away on September 18, 2025, in Standish, Michigan, surrounded by his loving family. Jerry was born to the late Henry and Lydia Heinrich on December 24, 1938, in Au Gres, Michigan. He was a lifelong resident of Au Gres. Following his high school graduation from AuGres-Sims High School, he attended junior college at the Northeastern School of Commerce. After college, Jerry returned home, where he followed in his father's footsteps in the Lumber business. What was originally Reichle & Heinrich Lumber Company in the 1940s became Heinrich Lumber Company when Jerry's father, Henry, bought the company out himself. Jerry began working for the family business until he eventually purchased the company from his dad in 1967. Jerry owned and operated Heinrich Lumber Company and Home Center for another 30 years, dedicating his days and working long hours to running a successful operation. In 1997, he began his road to retirement and sold the company to Bernard Lumber Co. On September 23, 1967, Jerry married the love of his life, Rosemary (Stanley) Heinrich, in Saginaw, Michigan. They got the opportunity to spend 58 amazing years together, making endless memories and taking on life together. The two of them raised a family of two children whom Jerry adored dearly. Some of Jerry's favorite hobbies included bowling, golfing, fishing, going to his hunting camp, traveling, watching Detroit sports teams play, and sudoku. Also, meeting his buddies for daily coffee break, most recently at H & H Restaurant, and most importantly, spending quality time with his family and attending his grandchildren's events. He was an active member of the AuGres Lions Club, AuGres Men's Club, St. Paul Lutheran Church, Arenac County Historical Society, and was a director at Chemical Bank. The AuGres Lions Club was especially an integral part of his life as he was an active member for over 50 years, and was even awarded the Lions Club International Melvin Jones Award in 2003. Jerry really enjoyed the camaraderie of these clubs and organizations. He will be remembered for his smile and the timing of a good joke.  He was a loving man with a great sense of humor who made the most out of the life he lived, and his presence around the town will be missed dearly by many. Jerry is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Rosemary Heinrich; his children, Stephanie (Jim) Russell and Steven Heinrich; grandchildren, Zachary Russell, Samantha Russell, Paige Heinrich, and Nicholas Heinrich; brother-in-law, Dale Nelson; and his nieces and nephews, Kimberly Farver, Valerie Britton, and Hollie Anderson. In addition to his parents, Henry and Lydia, Jerry is preceded in death by his sister, Grace Nelson, and his special friends, Pat Holland, Dick Bowden, Don Wiltse, and Joe Walker. Visitation will be held for Jerry on Friday, September 26, 2025, from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Buresh Funeral Home in Au Gres, Michigan. His funeral service will take place on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at 11:00 AM at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Au Gres, Michigan. The family will welcome the public for a period of visitation at the church from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Following the service, Jerry will be laid to rest in Linwood Cemetery. Any memorial contributions may be made out in his name to the American Lung Association (26555 Evergreen Road, Suite #540, Southfield, MI 48076) or the Arenac County Historical Society (PO Box 272, Au Gres, MI 48703). You may leave an online condolence at www.bureshfuneralhomes.com.