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Gerald Lind

January 23, 2020
Kalamazoo, MI

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Passed away Thursday, January 23rd, 2020. Jerry was born in Lansing, Michigan on May 23rd, 1931 to the parents of Carl and Lucille Lind and had a sister Joyce, whom is deceased. He graduated from Lansing Sexton High School and played basketball and golf. He caddied at Lansing Country Club on the weekends and had a privilege of caddying for Ben Hogan on a special tournament. Jerry also attended Michigan State University and joined the Air Force during the Korean War in 1951. He became 1st Sergeant of the 434 Medical Group spending time in Germany and being part of the 5th Forward Air Force Squadron. Jerry and his dad, Carl, shared many memories of hunting and car racing, and he was only 13 when he attended the Indy 500 with Carl and his friends, which was a big honor for him. In 1960, John Hodgin, a good friend and business partner at the time, began his company Kal-Blue and he later became sole owner. Still having the love of car racing, Jerry began flagging stock cars which lasted approximately 21 years. He was well known at Lansing Speedway, Jackson, Berlin and Kalamazoo Speedway. During his ownership at Kal-Blue, he served on the International Reprographics board and was president of the North Central Reprographics. He also was a consultant on a board for James River Graphics in 1976. Married Tanny Menkman in 1952 before going to Columbus, GA in the Air Force. Jerry's entire life was about giving of himself either to charities or people in need of help. They had 3 children, Tori Sue, Jed, and Kelly Jon. His middle child Jed is deceased. In 1991, Jerry remarried Susan M. Chandler in Kalamazoo and they have shared many winters in Sarasota, FL., playing their favorite sport of golf. Jerry was on the board of Governors at Kalamazoo Country Club. Jerry is survived by his wife, Susan, and her children, Amy (Alan) and Timothy. Jerry's children, Tori and Kelly (Lien); grandchildren, Meryl, Jordan, Simbel, Connor, Sabrina, Travis, Zackery, Cameron, Chase and Derek; great-grandchildren, Hayden and Porter. The family will greet friends on Saturday, February 15th from 10-11:00am at Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Westside Chapel, 3926 S. 9th Street, where a memorial service will begin at 11am. The family would like to acknowledge and thank the entire staff of Beacon Pointe Memory Care and love making him comfortable during his stay. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Andrew's Community Church or to Beacon Pointe Memory Care. To leave condolences, please visit Jerry's personal webpage at https://www.langelands.com.