//cdn.lifestorynet.com/fh/obituary-default.jpg//cdn.lifestorynet.com/fh/obituary-default.jpgObituary
Gerald Henry Kroehn, 88, of Portage, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Tuesday, August 19, 2025. He was born on September 20, 1936, in Milwaukee, WI to William and Anna (Radeztsky) Kroehn.
As a child, he loved family, learning, and being outdoors. Some of his favorite stories involved visiting his cousins at the homestead where they farmed and raised mink, and hunting with his dog Zero. His love of gardening began one summer while quarantined during a polio outbreak. He enjoyed school, and would correct teachers when he thought they were wrong.
Jerry graduated from the University of Wisconsin in 1958 with a degree in chemical engineering. He married his wife, Patricia Bantz, the same year and moved to Kalamazoo to start his career at The Upjohn Company. He worked there for 34 years in fine chemicals, where he "Kept the Quality Up."
Jerry was an avid hobbyist in his adult life. His family and neighbors benefitted from his prolific garden and fruit trees. Much time was spent in the woods, hiking, mushroom hunting, taking pictures, and camping. A close group of friends participated in semi-annual fishing and hunting weekends up north. His love of the woods led to maple syruping, woodturning, and tool collecting. He was a long-time member of the West Michigan Wood Turners and a dedicated member of the Portage Environmental Committee.
Jerry was preceded in death by his beloved wife Patricia, brother Thomas, and mother and father William and Anna. He is survived by his five daughters Susan, Julia, Linda, Annmarie, and Alethea, nine grandchildren, and three great grandchildren.
Visitation will be Saturday, September 13 at 2 PM at Langeland Funeral Home, 411 East Centre Street, Portage. A Celebration of Life will follow at 3:30. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Tillers International, the charity of your choice, or plant a tree.
Jerry will rest in peace under a tree by the Pine River.
Please visit Jerry's memorial webpage to share condolences and memories with his family at https://www.Langelands.com