Michael John Gierman

Commander Michael John Gierman, USNR (retired), age 79, died suddenly on Wednesday, January 5, 2022. Mike was a native of Ionia, Michigan, and he was the son of the late Muriel Joynt Gierman and Elmer Gierman. He was an alum of Ionia High School, class of 1960, and received a Congressional Appointment to the United Sates Naval Academy, graduating with the class of 1964.

Upon graduation and commissioning from the Naval Academy, he completed carrier qualification and pilot training, receiving his "Wings of Gold" as a Naval Aviator in 1966. He reported to his first squadron VAW-12 in Norfolk to fly the E-1B Tracer, or "Willie Fudd." He continued to serve as a Navy pilot in both active duty and reserve VAW and VT squadrons throughout his career. He received a Masters in Engineering Administration from George Washington University in 1985. Mike loved airplanes, Corvettes, and his family. The two great thrills of his life were flying on and off aircraft carriers and spending time with his daughter and granddaughters. He was immensely proud of his son-in-law's recent promotion to Captain in the United States Navy.

He is survived by his daughter Kedron Gierman Fix; his son-in-law Captain Derek Rowland Fix, USN; his beloved granddaughters, Emma Marie Fix and Anna Dailey Fix; his former wife Anna Marie Cross and her husband, Dr. Edward Meier Cross; his sister, Joanne Green and her husband Richard Green; his brother Karl Gierman and his wife Helen Gierman. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews and several dear friends, including Chris and Bill Motley and his dear grand dog, Buddy Fix.

A private family service will be held to commemorate his memory. In accordance with his wishes, he will be buried at sea. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia in Norfolk, VA, or the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society. H.D. Oliver Funeral Apartments Norfolk Chapel is handling arrangements. Online condolences may be offered to the family through www.hdoliver.com.