Gerald "Jerry" F. Sweetman

Gerald "Jerry" F. Sweetman, age 85, of Akron, passed away Thursday, April 11, 2024 at McLaren Flint Hospital.

Jerry was born on September 8, 1938, in Detroit, to Orval and Beatrice (Newall) Sweetman. He graduated from South Lyon High School in 1956, where he was an "All State" football player. He attended Olivet College and played football for one year. He volunteered for the United States Army during the Vietnam Era and served three years at Thule, Greenland, on a missile base. He married Lynda Christenson on November 6, 1971. Jerry retired from RWC in Bay City at the age of 70, specializing as a large watercraft mechanic. He loved working or tinkering on everything and anything for anyone at Oakhurst Park Marina. He enjoyed boating on the Saginaw Bay and was a huge U of M fan. As a child, Jerry loved riding his horse, Ripper, on the farm and rode in many rodeos. He had a special love and respect for horses. He was a life-long Mason (Caro Lodge). Most of all, Jerry loved his family and adored his grandchildren.

Jerry is survived by his wife of 53 years, Lynda; 3 children: Jerry C. Sweetman of Bay City, Daniel (Lori) Sweetman of Unionville and Rebecca (Brad) Sting of Unionville; grandchildren: Ella, Parker and Irelyn Sweetman, Ally, Mya and Carter Sweetman, Katelyn and Emily Sting; sister, Lavina Adams "Tiny"; and many nieces and nephews.

Jerry is preceded in death by his parents; sisters: Dorothy Jones and Irene Heiter; and brothers: Louie, Leo and Don "Butch" Sweetman.

Per Jerry's wishes, cremation has taken place. A "Celebration of Life" will be held at a later date.