Gerald Duane "Jerry" Watt

Gerald "Jerry" Duane Watt of Lake Orion, formerly Madison Heights, passed away peacefully on November 30, 2022, at the age of 83. Jerry was born in Detroit on April 4, 1939, to the late Clyde and Edythe Watt. Jerry was the beloved husband of Marilyn (Paschke); a loving father to Michael (Lisa), Sabra (Terrence I) Hardaway, Natalie Watt-Long, and Amanda (Joseph) Kaye; a proud grandfather of Sadie, Maggie (Zach), Mollie (Sean), Shannon (Dan), Terrence II (Jamie), Marco (Kashmere), Nathan, Maxwell, Amélie (Kevin), Nicholas, and Pixie; a super proud great-grandfather of Mae, Elenor, Terrence III "Trey," and Mikah; and a caring brother-in-law to Margie Rauch. He is also survived by many wonderful nieces and nephews.
Marilyn, his wife of 62 years, was the love of his life; together they were the loving parents of Michael, Sabra, Natalie, and Amanda, who made Jerry and Marilyn grandparents, and later, great-grandparents. Each son and daughter, grandchild and great-grandchild, and niece and nephew has a story to tell about Jerry. He was strong and funny; he was passionate and kind. He was someone to go to when you had a joke, a problem, a story, or a question. He was an active part of anyone's life who was fortunate enough to have met him. Jerry loved Michigan and its sports teams, movies and television, current events, and ice cream.
Jerry loved his family above all, but also enjoyed his work as an over-the-road trucker for Kroger and, later, for Batesville Casket Company. Jerry was dedicated to providing for his family, and this quality translated into his identity as a hard worker. One of his most prized possessions was a ring he received from Batesville as an award for 25 years of safe driving. With his charismatic personality and kind nature, he made friends all over Michigan from each funeral home to which he delivered, and he looked forward to seeing these folks on a weekly basis. Though Jerry loved the road, he retired in 2003, and spent his late years traveling with Marilyn and visiting family.
Needless to say, Jerry made an indelible impression on those who knew him. He was loved by many and will be greatly missed by all.
Visitation for Jerry will be Sunday, December 4, 2022 from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Modetz Funeral Home, 100 E. Silverbell Rd., Orion. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation or the Walled Lake Civic Fund for the Fireworks Show. Online tributes for Jerry may be written at www.modetzfuneralhomes.com.