Jerold L Zerby

Jerold L. Zerby, known affectionately as Jerry, was born on January 27, 1949, in St. Joseph, Michigan, and passed away peacefully on October 21, 2023, at Hanson Hospice Center in Stevensville, Michigan, after a courageous battle with cancer. Jerry was a kind, passionate, and gentle man, whose love for his family and his work was evident in all he did.

He is survived by his loving wife, Sharon (McCullough) Zerby of Berrien Springs; his children, Ben (Beth) Wagner of Watervliet, Jim (Jess) Wagner of Niles, and Sarah (Bryan) Flannery of Watervliet; his cherished grandchildren, Ariona, Madison, and Wyatt Wagner, David and Tyson Bell, and Hali (D.J.) Larsh and a great-grandchild, Peyton. Jerry is also survived by his sister, Sandra (Dale) Myer of Niles; his brother-in-law, Louis Stelter of St. Joseph; and his son by heart, Nathaniel (Linda) Burke of Berrien Springs. He will be greatly missed by his beloved dogs, Yodie and Cookie. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lester L. and Ethel M. (Wagner) Zerby, and a sister, Gloria Stetler.

Jerry devoted his professional life to perfecting his craft as a machinist, working for Precision Mold Engineering and Accu-Die & Mold for many years each. His dedication to his work extended to his personal life, where he operated his own machine shop and spent countless hours in his barn. Jerry had a unique ability to fix or rebuild almost anything, a testament to his keen eye for detail and his unwavering commitment to perfection.

Beyond his work, Jerry had a love for home life. He enjoyed mowing the yard and dancing, and his gentle, compassionate nature brought a sense of calm and warmth to his home. He was a pillar of his community, serving as the director of maintenance at Arden Grace Church in Berrien Springs for many years. Jerry will be remembered not only for his professional accomplishments but also for his character. He was a kind man who treated everyone he met with respect and compassion. His passion for his work was only surpassed by his love for his family. His gentle spirit and kind heart will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

Memorial contributions may be made in Jerry’s memory to Arden Grace Church.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 28, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at Arden Grace Church at 6891 M-139, Berrien Springs, Michigan 49103 with a time of visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. A private interment will be held by his family at Spring Run Cemetery.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Allred Funeral Home in Berrien Springs. www.AllredFuneralHome.com.

After suffering from a stroke many years ago, Jerry was the first in our area to receive the Watchman Device, decreasing chances of him ever suffering another one. The article about Jerry and Sharon’s journey can be viewed at https://www.spectrumhealthlakeland.org/how-we-compare/our-patients/Detail/getting-to-the-heart-of-the-problem/.

In his passing, we remember a man of integrity, kindness, and passion. His legacy lives on in the hearts of his loved ones and in the community he served. While we mourn his loss, we also celebrate his life, remembering the love, joy, and wisdom he brought into our lives. Jerry Zerby was a remarkable man, and he will be deeply missed.