Gerald J. Vokes

Gerald J. Vokes, age 85, of Moorestown, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 24, 2025,

at Maple Ridge Living Center in Lake City, following a long battle with dementia.

He was born on June 26, 1940 in Troy, Michigan to John C. and Mary (Hundt) Vokes. He graduated from Marion High School in 1959. Gerald married the former Betty Lou Lewis on April 15, 1961 at St. Alfred's Catholic Church in Muskegon. Betty predeceased him in April 2014.

Gerald was a proud Local Union 58 wireman, retiring in 2001, serving over 40 years with IBEW.

He loved to hunt, fish and travel. He spoke often of his trip to Arizona with his Daddy when Gerald was 18. He enjoyed spending time in Canada, Florida and Montana, but his true love was for the State of Alaska, traveling there for work and pleasure many times. He will always be remembered for his strong Catholic faith, as well as his work ethics, his wicked sense of humor and his tremendous love for his family.

Gerald is survived by his children: William (LeAnn) Vokes of Lake City, Dave (Dawn) Vokes of Goodells, Terrie (Jeff) Wiggins of Moorestown, Joe (Shannon) Vokes of Traverse City and Tina (Scott Hills) of Petoskey.

In addition he is survived by his grandchildren: Scott (Katie) Vokes of Livonia, Kristen (Chad) Allen of Lake City, Annie & Ella Vokes of Goodells, Kimberly, Kortney & Art Wiggins of Traverse City, Lucas & Alison Vokes of Traverse City. He is also survived by great grandchildren: Abigail Vokes, Ava Zivkovich & Salena Napora of Livonia, Amelia & Elisabeth Allen of Lake City.

Gerald was born into a very large family and is survived by his siblings, Margaret Conflitti, Pauline Anderson, John (Sharon) Vokes, Edna Vokes, Ed (Carol) Vokes, Ann Artkop, Sam Vokes, Matt (Kathy) Vokes, Jim (Sharon) Vokes, George Vokes, Chuck (Sharon) Vokes, Kathy (Cal) Ogans, Pat Vokes, Connie (Brian) Bowman and Ron Vokes, as well as several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, and other family members, Donna Cook, Bob Conflitti, Carson Anderson, Tom Vokes, Greg Artkop, Linda Vokes, Mary Vokes.

Visitation for family and friends will be held Sunday, July 27, 2025 from 4-7 pm at Young-Holdship Funeral Home in Lake City. The rosary will be recited beginning at 7 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on July 28, 2025 at St. Stephen's Catholic Church, Lake City, with visitation one hour prior. Officiating will be Rev. Michael Janowski. Interment will follow at the Lake City Cemetery.

The family would like to thank the staff at Maple Ridge Living Center in Lake City for their love and wonderful care of Gerald during his stay there.

Memorial donations may be directed to the Diocese of Gaylord - Seminarian Education Fund or Retired Priests Fund att: Diocese of Gaylord, 611 W North Street, Gaylord, MI 49735. The family would be happy to forward any donations for you.

The Young-Holdship Funeral Home in Lake City is serving the family. Words of comfort and memories may be shared at www.holdshipfuneralhomes.com.