Gerald H. (Jerry, Triez) Triezenberg, loving Husband, Father, and Grandfather went to sing with Jesus on February 5, 2017 in Sebring, Florida at the age of 80. He passed unexpectedly at his home.
Jerry is survived by his wife Jean; his children, Jeff (Carmen) Triezenberg and Pam Shultz; his Grandchildren Jordan (Sarah) Triezenberg, Paige Triezenberg, Hannah Stoyanoff, Emily (Dan) Miles, and Ben Stoyanoff; and his Great Grandchildren Kate, Donte’, Kyleigh and BrookLynn and special daughter-in-law Kathy Triezenberg. Jerry was preceded in death by a Son Gary Triezenberg; a Brother Ivan Triezenberg, and an infant Sister Cora Triezenberg.
Jerry was born on May 19, 1936 in Kalamazoo, Michigan to Henry and Jessie (Triestram) Triezenberg who preceded him in death. He graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School in 1953 and went on to study briefly at Western Michigan University. He married Jean Kallewaard, his high school sweetheart in 1955. He worked many years selling shoes as the Manager of Nobil Shoes and later V & A Bootery. After their children had grown the couple moved to Middlebury, Indiana where Jerry spent many years traveling the country and making friends as a charter bus driver for Cardinal Bus Lines.
Jerry grew up in Bethany Reformed Church and matured in his faith throughout his life. He was either in the choir or directing the choir and almost every church that he was ever involved in. Jerry also taught Sunday School, led Hymn sings, and was worship director. He was also a Deacon in the Reformed Church of America and currently was the Head Deacon at the Lake Josephine Baptist Church. Jerry loved Jesus and loved to share his faith with others. Jerry also served as President of the West Main Mall (Kalamazoo) Merchants Association, President of the Kalamazoo Chapter of the American Cancer Society, Treasurer of the Pine Island Cove community.
Jerry loved the outdoors. In his younger years he played fast pitch softball for Bethany Church which in his later years turned into slow pitch softball for Faith Reformed Church. When softball was not option golf became his game. Fishing was always a love, especially Bass fishing. Fish fry’s at his Parent’s Delton Lake cottage created many family memories. Later in life Jerry loved spending time with his Grandchildren and recreated many of his Bus Tour adventures with them (they especially loved the zoo). Jerry was also a league bowler for many years, a love he passed on to his son and grandson.
Cremation has taken place and a memorial service to celebrate Jerry’s life will be held 11:30 AM, Monday, February 13, 2017 at the First Baptist Church of Lake Josephine 111 Lake Josephine Drive, Sebring, FL 33875 with Dr. Kevin Ahrens officiating. A visitation for family and friends will be held a half hour prior to service time. A gathering will follow the service in the fellowship hall. Further services will be scheduled in Michigan where Jerry’s friends and family can share memories. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Jerry’s life. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the First Baptist Lake Josephine Building fund, 111 Lake Josephine Drive, Sebring, FL 33875. The family would like to thank all who looked after Jerry and made his life amazing. The family would also like to thank friends for visits, gifts of food, support, love, kindness and especially prayers; they have all been a great comfort to us.