Gerald Zach Krohn

Gerald ("Jerry") Krohn.. September 8, 1946-January 5, 2026, Age 79
Gerald "Jerry" Zach Krohn, 79 of Essexville, passed away peacefully on January 5, 2026 at Bay Valley House in Bay City, MI. He was born on September 8, 1946 to the late Edward and Annetta (Palmer) Krohn in Cass City, MI.
Jerry grew up on a farm in Cass City and throughout his life had an enduring fondness for the farm, spending countless hours there overseeing the property and deer hunting in the fall. He served proudly in the United States Navy and, after his discharge, attended and graduated from SVSU. He was employed by Michigan Sugar, working for thirty years in the Sebewaing plant, initially as a chemist and later as a warehouse supervisor. Following his retirement he undertook restoration of the Cushman Scooter he had as a teen. Other pastimes included gardening, camping, dabbling in photography, and putzing around with one project or another.
Jerry married Pamela Thiel in 1974, and together they built a loving home while raising their three children. Gentle and soft-spoken, Jerry often expressed his love through steady presence rather than words. In a lively household, he may not have been the loudest voice, but his devotion never wavered. He was a constant source of support and took immense pride in the lives and accomplishments of his children.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by daughters Caroline Krohn (Jacob Lockwood) and Amy (Edward) Payne and son Brent Krohn (Mireille Recchia), as well as granddaughters Brooklyn and Alexandria Payne, sister Yvonne Greer, mother-in-law Frances Thiel, and brothers-in-law/sisters-in-law James and Patricia Thiel, Larry and Terri Thiel, and Blaine Hayes. Jerry is also survived by his best friend, Kermit Kranz, with their friendship beginning in college and spanning over the last 50 years.
Jerry is preceded in death by his sister Lemoyne Hayes, and father-in-law Richard Thiel.
The family is forever grateful for the unwavering care, compassion, and support provided by the staff at Bay Valley House AFC, the members of the Care Team Hospice, and Dobson Home Care.
Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider the Michigan Parkinson Foundation in his honor.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00am on January 12th, 2026 at Smith-Miner Funeral Home with Pastor Don Killey officiating. Friends may visit with the family from 10:00am until time of service. Immediately after the services at the funeral home he will be laid to rest at Midland Memorial Gardens.
Smith-Miner Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Krohn family; to share a special memory, please visit www.smithminer.com
Michigan The Parkinson's Foundation, 30400 Telegraph Rd., Ste 150, Bingham Farms, MI, 48025