Gerald "Jerry" Vandemark

Gerald “Jerry” Vandemark of Deford, age 75, passed away on Monday, January 1, 2018 at Covenant Health Care - Cooper in Saginaw. Jerry was born April 21, 1942 in Cass City, the son of the late Emery and Vera Pearl (Mulholland) Vandemark. He was united in marriage on June 10, 1961 to his high school sweetheart, the former Connie Muntz, and they continue to live in his family's centennial farm. He started as a hobby farmer and continued farming until his recent illness. During his farming career, he was in charge of fertilizer and chemical distribution for Standard Oil Farm Center, then Sohigro, and while working at Terra he became manager, retiring in 1998 to devote himself to full time farming. Jerry was a board member of the Tuscola County Soil Conservation Board, served on Wells Township Board of Review, member of the Tuscola County Fair Board, where he proudly served as the organizer for the first rodeo. Jerry loved fishing in Ontario, Canada, and deer hunting. He is survived by his loving wife, Connie; two children and their spouses, Brian & Kaylene Vandemark of Deford, Sue & Bryan Toner of Cass City; five grandchildren, Bridgette, Brenda, Andrew, Justin and Chantell; four great-grandchildren, Trinity, Jacob, Karly and Brody; his dog, Harley; three siblings and their spouses, Betty Esckelson of Vassar, Freda McMullen of Mayville, Virgil & Betty Vandemark of Caro; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one sister, Virginia Mills and her husband, Sam; one brother, Emery Jr. Vandemark; and two brothers-in-law, Max Esckelson and George McMullen. In keeping with Jerry's wishes, cremation has taken place and a memorial gathering will be held at a later date. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorial contributions to the Rawson Memorial Library in Cass City.