Gerry Cain

Gerald T. Cain September 5, 1946 - March 8, 2026

Gerry Cain, age 79, of Menominee, Michigan, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on March 8, 2026, following a long battle with prostate cancer.

Gerry was born in Kenmore, NY, the oldest of six children to the late Gerald F. and Alice (Tillapaugh) Cain. The family later moved to Elmhurst, Illinois, outside of Chicago, where Gerry graduated from York High School in 1964.

From an early age, Gerry developed a deep love of music. Influenced by artists such as Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, and Buddy Holly, he began taking piano lessons from his mother and received his first Silvertone guitar as a teenager. As they say, the rest is history.

After graduation, Gerry attended The University of Wisconsin-Stout. During that time, he joined the band The Benders, which later became a cult favorite among the garage band collectors, with their 45 RPM records now selling for thousands of dollars. Gerry quickly realized that music was his true passion. In the "Summer of Love", 1967, he made a trip to Los Angeles, where he recorded music and had the opportunity to meet and work alongside some of the era's most iconic musicians.

Gerry met the love of his life, Mary K. Louis, in Menominee MI. They were married on December 12, 1970, and shared more than 55 amazing years together.

Throughout his life, Gerry was a dedicated educator and mentor, giving guitar lessons in the area for over 57 years and teaching students of all ages. A gifted story teller, he loved sharing his endless experiences in music and life, often offering thoughtful advice and encouragement to those around him.

Over the decades, Gerry led and performed in numerous rock and roll, country, blues, and jazz bands contributing greatly to the Upper Midwest music scene. He toured and recorded with bands including The Benders, The Why Four, Supernatural Band Wagon, Raw Meat, Brix Band, Gerry Cain & Friends, The One and Only Billy Shears Band, Raisn' Cain, Carlin & Cain, and Singer-Cain among others. He had the great pleasure and honor of playing with many phenomenal band brothers who were lifelong musician friends and students, and most importantly his drummer-son Adam Cain, and his bassist-nephew Bryan Cain.

Gerry never met a stranger, and was known for his immense upbeat, positive, and joyful personality. This trait was passed down from his own mother, who always said, "You get more from sharing honey than you do from sharing vinegar." His presence, music, and stories will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Gerry was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Charles "Chuck" Cain, Paul Cain; sister Maureen Mooney; brothers-in-law Paul Louis, Jim Miller, and Joe Winters; sisters-in-law Virginia "Ginny" Louis, Nancy Louis; and his nephew, Bryan Cain.

He is survived by his wife, Mary; daughter Gerianne Cain of Dallas, TX; son Adam Cain of Sturgeon Bay, WI; sister Andrea Winters of San Antonio, TX; brother Larry Cain of Lakewood, CO; sisters-in-law Patty (Louis) Cain, Joan Louis, Cathy (Dale) Miller; nieces, Randi (Miller) Ahrndt, Erin Cain, Cori (Miller) Cirka, and Jaime Miller; nephew, Chris Mooney; many great-nephews and nieces, and friends and former students all across the country.

The family would like to extend special thanks to the Aurora Cancer Care team for Gerry's ongoing treatment, and to the entire U.P Hospice Team, especially Nurse Nikki, who provided an outpouring of support, compassion, and comfort during this difficult time. Their care was immeasurable.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the ZERO Prostate Cancer Foundation at https://zerocancer.org/ways-to-give. The family is also establishing a Memorial Music Scholarship Fund in Gerry's name at Flagstar Bank to support local students pursuing music in the community.

A Celebration of Life for Gerry will be held at a later date.