Obituary
Gerald Leigh LeMahieu passed away September 27, 2024, after being admitted to Bronson Hospital. He was surrounded by his children and members of his extended family as he took his final breath.
Born Nov. 23, 1946, to Richard and Lillian LeMahieu, Gerald-or as most knew him, Jerry-was raised by his grandparents, John and Hazel Gray. He grew up on their family dairy farm with his cousins, and although he didn't take a liking toward the cows, he adored the farm hogs.
Not even 20 years old at the time, Jerry enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on June 24, 1966. He married Julie Ingold July 8, 1966, and together, they had three children: Christine, Joseph, and Teresa.
Jerry was honorably discharged from the Marine Corps (Reserves) on Oct. 13, 1971, after attaining the rank of Lance Corporal. He later earned his GED on April 27, 1973. Around this time Jerry began working at Frost Standard with Mert Frost with whom he was lifetime friends.
His work with the Kalamazoo County Sheriff Department from March 13, 1968, through July 10, 1981, saw Jerry take on many difficult-sometimes dangerous-and exciting roles. Retiring as a Sergeant from the Sheriff's Department marked the end of an era throughout which Jerry served as a Police Firearms Instructor, crime scene photographer, a body-recovery scuba diver, liaison for the Hazardous Device Division, member of the Mounted Division as well as being recognized as an Honorary Deputy for Madison County, Alabama. Throughout this tenure, Jerry also earned his Michigan Marine Training Certificate.
Life after his work with the Sheriff's department saw Jerry begin his career as an electrician. He owned and operated his own electrical shop in Mattawan, Mich., until retiring from that field in 1998.
Jerry LeMahieu married Linda Hoag in 1974. Together, they had one child, daughter Brandi Jo Mayton (LeMahieu).
A lifelong fan of country music, Jerry also enjoyed bowling, as well as being an avid outdoorsman. He loved hunting, fishing, and camping, as well as watching NASCAR racing, and spending time up north.
Jerry is preceded in death by his parents, Richard LeMahieu and Lillian Roberts; grandparents John and Hazel Gray; cousin Mike Gray; and former spouse Linda.
He is survived by siblings Pam Roberts-Deal, Robin Roberts Lester, Cinda Cowen (Jim), Nancy Boss, John Roberts (Deb), cousins Doug Gray (Gail), Sharon Permenter, Dale Gray, and Denise Coe (Bill). Jerry is also survived by his children Christine Kellogg, Joseph LeMahieu (Robin), Teresa Nichols (Jason), and Brandi Mayton (Joseph III), and grandchildren Tyler, Samantha, Rebecca, Jeremy, Megan, Nathan, and Joseph IV.
Celebration of Life will be held Saturday October 19, 2024, at 11:00am at the Oshtemo Grange Hall, 3234 North 3rd Street, Kalamazoo MI.
In lieu of flowers, there will be a donation box available at the memorial to make donations to the Allegan County Dairy Project.