Gerald Duane "Jerry" Kehrer

Gerald Duane Kehrer, known to all as Jerry, was born on May 26, 1953, in South Bend, Indiana. He spent his entire life in Sister Lakes, the place he loved and proudly called home.

A graduate of Dowagiac High School, Jerry grew up farming in the Sister Lakes area. In his younger years, he was involved in the Boy Scouts, and during high school he participated in FFA, reflecting an early connection to agriculture and the outdoors that stayed with him throughout his life.

As an adult, Jerry continued farming and later worked for Dowagiac Schools, where he remained until his retirement. He also volunteered with the Sister Lakes Fire Department.

Jerry found joy in the outdoors. He enjoyed hunting deer and rabbits, fishing, gardening, and riding around his property on his golf cart, often visiting with his children and waving to or stopping to talk with neighbors across the street. Those simple moments brought him the greatest happiness.

Jerry is survived by his children: Jerry (Jessica), Jay (Shauna), Joe, and Jim; his grandchildren, Mason and Riley; and Janice, his former spouse and lifelong friend. He was preceded in death by his parents, Virginia and Harold Kehrer.

For nearly two years, Jerry faced a cancer diagnosis with strength and a positive outlook, remaining upbeat and focused on living life one day at a time.

Beyond his own family, Jerry was a brother and a father figure to many. He treated people with kindness, generosity, and respect, and because of that, he was family to far more people than just his children.

A Celebration of Life will be held on February 12, 2026 from 10:00 to 1:00 at the Dowagiac Conservation Club, 54551 M -51, Dowagiac MI 49047.

Jerry will be remembered for his steady presence, his love of the outdoors, and the genuine way he treated everyone he met.