Gerald "Jerry" Spierenburg

1935 - 2025

Gerald 'Jerry' Spierenburg, 90, of Bradenton, Florida, (formerly of Hart and Montague) entered Heaven on Friday, October 3, 2025, at Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He was born August 20, 1935, in Hart, Michigan, to Norman and Eula (Krauss) Spierenburg.

Jerry was a 1954 graduate of Hart High School. While still in high school, he joined the Michigan National Guard at Manistee, staying in for 9 1/2 years.

He was always very industrious. As a young man he worked part-time for a lumber company, two farming operations, two funeral homes, and other entities.

On July 29, 1956, in Hart, he married the love of his life, Jacqueline Bengtson, to whom he was married for 69 years. He was an avid motorcyclist. He road across the country on his Honda Goldwing and even restored a WWII Harley Davidson. He was a member of the Christian Motorcyclist Association for many years.

He could repair and restore anything with a motor. He restored a Ford Model T and drove it in many area parades in West Michigan.

Jerry owned and operated West Michigan Body Shop before being employed at duPont in Montague, MI for almost 30 years where he obtained his Journeyman Electrician License. Upon his exit from duPont in 1985, he started Diversified Services and then took up residence in Bradenton, FL.

While retired he was involved with Habitat for Humanity, Toastmasters, their Condo Association Board, DeColores and Emmaus Walks, Promise Keepers, and other civic pursuits where his talents were utilized. One of his greatest joys was volunteering over 3,000 hours for Manatee Memorial Hospital Auxiliary Thrift Shop.

He and Jacqueline were former members of Whitehall Wesleyan Church where he filled the roles of superintendent, Sunday school teacher, and trustee. After their move to Florida, they were members for 39 years at The Family Church at Christian Retreat where he was a deacon and a graduate of their Institute of Ministry.

Jerry is survived by his loving wife, Jacqueline; daughters, Jan (Timothy) Holmes and Jean (Kevin) Flynn; grandsons, Michael (Becca) Holmes, Duncan Holmes, Joshua (Hannah) Flynn, and Kurt Flynn; great-grandchildren, Bennett Holmes and Elizabeth Flynn; as well as several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Norman and Eula Spierenburg; siblings, Corrine Spierenburg and Dolores DeRuiter.

Funeral services will be officiated by Pastor Timothy Holmes at 1:00 PM, Saturday, October 18, 2025, at Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, King-Hart Chapel, 2370 North 72nd Avenue, Hart, MI 49420, with visitation being held from 11:00 AM until time of service at the funeral home. Interment will be in Hart Cemetery, conducted by Chaplain Gerald Thorne, followed by a luncheon at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to: The Family Church at Christian Retreat, 1200 Glory Way Blvd., Bradenton, FL 34212.

Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, King-Hart Chapel, is in charge of arrangements. www.beaconfh.com