Gerald Raymond "Jerry" Whittaker

 GERALD RAYMOND “JERRY” WHITTAKER

            Gerald R. Whittaker, 89, of Cass City died Saturday, August 5, 2023 in Brian’s House, Essexville. He was born October 18, 1933 in Marlette, the ninth of eleven children born to Freeman and Janet (Garbutt) Whittaker.  He married Ruth Ann Merchant on November 29, 1958 in Greenleaf Township.   

            Jerry attended Mc Hugh Country School and was the student that walked to school to get the fire started.  He graduated from Cass City High School in 1952.  Jerry was very active in sports, especially baseball.  He was an exceptional left-hand pitcher with a wicked curve ball.  Jerry was honored to be scouted by the Cincinnati Reds and continued to play baseball into his early forties. He joined the United States Air Force where he served as an airman while stationed at Keesler Air Force Base in Mississippi.  Jerry worked at A.F. Burrows Adding Machine in Detroit and later moved to Cass City.  He started his own business, G.R. Whittaker Logging and continued working even after his retirement. Jerry was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church of Cass City where he served as a deacon, Sunday school teacher, and elder.  He also spent many many hours trimming the bushes at the church.  Jerry faithfully met with friends in the morning at Wild Johns, where he enjoyed playing euchre and solving all the world problems.     

            Jerry is survived by his wife of sixty-four years, Ruth of Cass City; children:  Ann (David) Borger of Simi Valley, CA; Becky Rasdale of Dewitt; David Whittaker of Cass City; Colleen Whittaker of Traverse City; nine grandchildren; two great grandchildren; brother, Wayne (Evelyn) Whittaker; many nieces and nephews.  He is preceded in death by his siblings:  Allan, Erwin, Evelyn, Cecile, Melvin, Ralph, Harold, Leona, Veron; son-in-law, Tom Rasdale.

            Funeral service held 11:00 a.m. Friday, August 11, 2023 in the First Presbyterian Church of Cass City with Rev. Michele Hile officiating. Military honors conducted by Cass City V.F.W. Post #3644 and the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard.  Interment will be in Elkland Township Cemetery.  Memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church of Cass City.   

Visitation:  3 to 8 p.m. Thursday, August 10, 2023 in Kranz Funeral Home, Cass City

                  10 to 11 a.m. Friday, August 11, 2023 in First Presbyterian Church, Cass City

Arrangements by Kranz Funeral Home, Cass City