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Gerald Stafford

December 20, 2021
Grand Junction, MI

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Gerald "Jerry" Stafford passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on Monday, December 20, 2021. His battle with cancer in recent years showed his courage in facing life challenges with a smile. Jerry was famous for his cheerful attitude and making friends in all of his travels. Jerry was born in Ann Arbor, MI on March 1, 1942 to the late Mildred and LeRoy Stafford. He grew up in Royal Oak with sisters Carol, Janet, and twin brother Harold. Jerry met the love of his life, Vera, in 1958 through their church youth group. When recanting the story of their first meeting, he always said it was "love at first sight!" After a four year courtship, they married on June 30, 1962. Jerry and Vera were married 55 years before her passing in 2018. Together they raised two daughters, Pamela and Diane. Jerry's career in the insurance business included working with Prudential Insurance and MESSA. He was also an entrepreneur, owning and operating a movie rental business in Richland and an ice cream parlor in Gobles. Jerry enjoyed cars and trains, and most things with motors, and he could fix most anything! "Cleaning out the carburetor" on a clear paved straightaway was enjoyable for him back in the day. He was affectionately known as "Mr. Safety" by family and friends, always making sure his loved ones were wearing seat belts and driving well maintained, safe vehicles. He was preceded in death by his parents, LeRoy and Mildred Stafford, and wife of 55 years, Vera. Jerry is survived by two daughters, Pamela (Peter) Prihoda of Portage, Diane (Paul) Vandenberg of Gobles; four grandchildren, Josh (Sheree) Vandenberg, Megan (Nate) Belen, Nicole Prihoda, Ben Prihoda; four great-grandchildren, Nolan Belen, Carson Belen, Aspen Vandenberg, and Landon Belen; sisters Carol Rassler, Janet (Clark) Sartor, brother Harold Stafford; family friend who was like a son, Scott Korpak; and many in-laws, nieces and nephews he dearly loved. In accordance with Jerry's wishes, a celebration of life gathering will be held in the Spring, details to be announced. Donations may be made to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, PO Box 22324, New York, NY 10087. https://www.lls.org/