Gerald M. "Jerry" Magda

Gerald M. "Jerry" Magda, age 96, of Hanover, passed away Thursday July 17, 2025, at his home. He was born September 22, 1928, in Wayne County, Michigan, to Michael and Helen (Szkatulski) Magda. Jerry married Annette Staelens on October 21, 1950, and she survives.
Jerry attended St. Andrews Catholic School in Detroit and later Jonesville Community Schools. He served his country in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. Jerry was a lifelong farmer who founded Magda Farms in 1961.
Over the years, he enjoyed farming with many of his family members including his son, Steven, and planting crops into his mid-eighties. Jerry was a member of the Michigan Farm Bureau, Michigan Farmers Union, and a member and former board member of the Michigan Milk Producers Association. He also was a member of the Concord American Legion Post 81, Hillsdale Elks Lodge Post 1575, and a lifetime member of the V.F.W. Jerry was a faithful member of St. Anthony Catholic Church in Hillsdale and Fourth Degree member of the Knights of Columbus. In his later years, Jerry and Annette enjoyed traveling, always seeming to find a farm to visit along the way.
In addition to his wife of nearly 75 years, Annette Magda, Jerry is survived by three children, Theresa (Terry) Kane of Pittsford, Anita (Ron) Coe of Jonesville, and David (Alison) Magda of Hanover; daughters-in-law, Terri Magda and Frances Jones; eighteen grandchildren; twenty-four great-grandchildren; seven great-great-grandchildren; one sister, Dorothy (Len) Yanavich of Carmel, Indiana; and one brother, Tom (Romaine) Magda of Jonesville.
He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Steven Magda; grandson, Robert Barrington; sister, Betty Houseknecht; and three brothers; Albert Magda, Richard Magda, and James Magda.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Jerry Magda will be held Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at 11:00 AM at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Hillsdale with Fr. Tim MacDonald officiating. Interment will follow at St. Anthony Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Monday from 5:00-8:00 PM at the VanHorn-Eagle Funeral Home in Hillsdale with a rosary service beginning at 7:30 P.M, and on Tuesday from 10:00 AM until the time of service at the church.
Memorial Contributions are suggested to St. Anthony Catholic Church or Beyond Angel Care.