Curtis Jarod "Jerry" Cleland Jr.

 CURTIS JAROD “JERRY” CLELAND JR.

 Curtis “Jerry” Cleland, Jr., 81, passed away on Wednesday, September 4, 2024 in his home in Greenleaf Township. Jerry was the third child of Curtis and Velma (Bailey) Cleland, born on September 28, 1942 on the Bailey farm in Greenleaf Township. He grew up on his parents’ farm on Germania Road, attended school at the Holbrook and Wickware school houses, then Gagetown and Cass City High Schools as the school districts merged. He earned a BS in teaching and MS in counseling at Central Michigan University and Michigan State University.

While at college Jerry met Theo Jeanne McCartney, of Alma, in the spring of 1962. As Jerry tells it, it was love at first sight and they were married on September 22, 1962. They were blessed with three children, Dale, Katha Jo, and Beth Ann. They ultimately made their home on Germania Road just a mile from his childhood home. Jerry was a lifelong educator, starting as a teacher at Lapeer and at Laker’s High School. In 1968, he moved to Cass City High School and remained there as guidance counselor for twenty-nine years. Jerry retired in 1998 after impacting literally thousands of young lives. He truly loved his work, including hundreds that he taught to drive during summer driver’s education. 

Jerry was a minister and frequent pastor of the Community of Christ congregations in Bad Axe, McGregor, and Shabonna. He was very active in that denomination’s youth programs both locally and at the state level, leading winter retreats, youth camps, and wilderness backpacking programs. Jerry was an avid historian and genealogist with his focus on local history including Greenleaf Township and Holbrook. He purchased and preserved the Holbrook Community Church making it a pseudo museum and community center. He was a founding member of the Greenleaf Township Historical Society. Jerry and Theo were active in township government and they held a variety of positions and roles over forty-five years. They were also involved in 4H, coaching, Old Tractor, and Engine Club, and the Thumb Octagon Barn among numerous others. 

 Jerry is survived by his son, Dale Cleland (Shawn Leighton) of Leavenworth KS; daughter Katha Chockley (Mark Messing) of Kimball and Cass City; son-in-law, Paul Weise of Vanderbuilt; eight grandchildren, four great-grandsons: Anna Cleland-Leighton (Jacob Belmore, Alexander and Torbjorn) of Hiawatha, KS; Laura Olson (Joe) of Bonner Springs, KS; Emma Dipoto (Andrew) of Salina, KS; Clara Cleland-Leighton of Warrensburg, MO; Christopher Chockley (Katy, Theordore) of Charlotte, NC; Amy Jo Holley (Nick) of Charlotte, NC; Stephanie Bell (James, Paul James) of Gaylord; Amber Weise (Brad Harvey) of Gaylord.; sister, Judy (Jim) Doerr; eight cherished nephews and nieces, their children and numerous others to whom he was a surrogate uncle or grandfather. Jerry was predeceased in death by his parents; his wife, Theo; youngest daughter, Beth Ann Weise; brother and sister-in-law, Gene and Winnie Cleland; foster sister, Judy Ann Hosner. 

A celebration of life open house is planned for Saturday, October 26, 2024 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the Holbrook Community Church, 8016 Germania Road. In lieu of flowers, Jerry would have appreciated donations be made to the Greenleaf Township Historical Society. Memorials can be mailed to 7876 Germania Rd., Cass City, MI 48726 or via Venmo@kathajochockley. 

The family of Jerry and Theo would like to express their gratitude to the many friends, relatives, and medical professionals that made it possible for Jerry to live at home until the end.

Arrangements by Kranz Funeral Home, Cass City