Jerry Lovell

With a journey that spanned times of great change in the world around him, Jerry Lovell lived a life of purpose while holding his loved ones near. He could be a bit strong willed at times, but he had one of the biggest hearts around. Jerry was blessed to share the majority of his life with his true love, and together they witnessed their family tree blossom to include the children, grandchildren, and the great-grandson he adored. Although life will never be the same without Jerry here, he leaves behind a priceless collection of memories that his loved ones will forever hold near and dear to their hearts.

In the year 1940, Edward and Lucille (Jensen) Lovell were eagerly awaiting the birth of their new baby as the beauty of fall unfolded in White Cloud, Michigan. Their wait finally came to an end when the baby boy they named Jerry L. made his arrival on October 18, 1940. He was the only child in his family and he was the apple of his parents’ eye. Jerry’s father worked for Gerber baby foods while his mother was a cook at the local school. As a student he attended local schools and graduated from White Cloud High School in 1959.

Not to be forgotten during his years in high school was Jerry’s introduction to the woman of his dreams. Her name was Kathryn “Kathi” Jonaitis, and they met in 1956 during Jerry’s sophomore year. They began dating that year, and it didn’t take the couple long to fall in love. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together, Jerry and Kathi were married on October 7, 1961, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in White Cloud. They initially remained in the area, but in 1962 the newlyweds moved to Kalamazoo. They later moved out to Austin Lake and finally settled in Vicksburg in 1964. Within the area, Jerry worked for Allied Paper when he moved in 1962, and this is where he spent the bulk of his career before retiring after 29 years.

There was nothing of greater importance to Jerry than his family. He and Kathi were blessed to welcome five children including Jeff, Bruce, Brad, Amy, and Doug into their hearts and home. Later on, 11 grandchildren joined the family, and more recently their great-grandson, Mason, brightened their hearts and lives. Jerry loved being with his wife and children, and he especially loved being with his grandchildren whenever time allowed.

Jerry was a huge sports fan. All five of his children were athletes in high school. After high school his sons played fast pitch softball and he and Kathi traveled all over to follow the team. The children also grew up following Jerry's cousins fast pitch softball team. Then later up until the last couple of years, Jerry would follow the grandchildren's sports.

Throughout his life Jerry was a man of many interests. He was an outdoorsman who enjoyed both hunting and fishing, and one of his favorite places to be was at his property up in White Cloud. Until the late 1980s, they spent several summers at Kline’s Resort, which is where they became friends with some of their closest friends, Ken and Sally Zmudzinski. Jerry enjoyed cooking and was amazing at it. His frog legs were a family favorite, and he was known as the neighborhood cook. Jerry once took an old fuel oil drum and made a pig roaster out of it. He was known for his pig roast and chicken BBQ's for the family graduation parties and other celebrations. Back in the day, Jerry and Kathi were voted best dancers when they were in high school, and they loved doing the jitterbug and dancing to all the rock ’n roll music, too. Within his community, he helped establish the Little League fields in Vicksburg.

All who knew Jerry Lovell would agree that he was truly one of a kind. He worked hard, but he knew how to play hard, too, and he loved sharing these experiences with the family and friends he loved. Jerry’s deep devotion to his family was easy to see, and he was the sort of person who would do whatever he could for someone else. Dearly loved, he will be forever missed.

Jerry L. Lovell, of Vicksburg passed away on Thursday, June 28, 2018, at the age of 77. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Kathi; five children: Jeff (Tracy) Lovell, of Scotts; Bruce Lovell, of Three Rivers; Brad Lovell, of Vicksburg; Amy (Randy) Miller, of Vicksburg; Doug (Emily) Lovell, of Schoolcraft. He is also survived by his 11 grandchildren: Kyle (Sharon) Miller, Tyler Lovell, Amanda Lovell, Brenden Lovell, Hunter Lovell, Sydney Duong, Madison Lovell, Max Duong, Mitchell Duong, Zachary Lovell, and Bessie Stears; one great grandson: Mason Miller; brother and sister-in-laws: Judi (Terry) Richards, Dorothy Jonaitis, Ed (Margo) Jonaitis, Mary Lindquist, and Greg (Nancy) Folta, many close nieces, nephews, and cousins. Preceded in death by his brother-in law: Ray Lindquist.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Saturday, July 14, 2018, at 11 a.m. at St. Martin of Tours, 5855 East W Ave, Vicksburg. The family will receive friends on Saturday at the church one hour prior to the service beginning at 10 a.m. A burial of Jerry’s ashes will take place after mass at the Vicksburg Cemetery. Please visit Jerry’s webpage at www.mccowensecord.com where you can read his life story, sign the guestbook, and share a memory. Those who wish may make contributions to Kairos Dwelling. The family is being assisted by the McCowen & Secord Family Funeral Home, Rupert-Durham Chapel, 409 S. Main, Vicksburg, MI (269-649-1697).