Gerald Kirsch

Gerald (Jerry) Kirsch, age 89, of Mattawan, MI passed peacefully on Sunday August 13, 2017 at Rose Arbor Hospice of Kalamazoo. Jerry was born February 12, 1928 in Castlewood, South Dakota to John and Olive (Thompson) Kirsch. He was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia; his sons, Thomas and Mark; his daughters, Theresa and Elizabeth; his brothers, Earl, Carl, James, Don and Gaylord; his sisters Helen, Bernice, Jesse, Pearl, Shirley and Delores. Jerry is survived by his daughter Amy Elliott of Schoolcraft, a son Stanley Kirsch of Kalamazoo, and many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Jerry was a charming man with a great sense of humor who enjoyed the outdoors, storytelling and a good time. He was an avid roller-skater, and had taught many to roller skate. He recently took up crock pot cooking after finding a cookbook at a garage sale. Jerry was self-employed as a painter up to a week before he became ill. Recently, most of his painting was for West Point Hills Mobile Home Park, where he lived. He had been anxiously waiting for 22 mobile homes to be ready for him to paint. Cremation has taken place honoring his wishes. There will be a memorial graveside service at Maple Grove Cemetery in Mattawan on August 30 at 11:00 am. There will be no visitation. A luncheon will follow the service at West Point Hills Activity Center at 53914 25th St, Mattawan, MI 49071. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Rose Arbor Hospice of Kalamazoo, or Kalamazoo Senior Services. Arrangements entrusted to: Whitley Memorial Funeral Home, 330 N. Westnedge Ave., Kalamazoo, MI. 49007.