Gerald Roberts

Gerald “Jerry” Roberts, age 56, of Gwinn, passed away Friday afternoon, August 7, 2020 at home surrounded by family. He was born on August 23, 1963 in Escanaba, the son of James Edward and Emma Eugenia (VanElsacker) Roberts. Jerry was raised in Arnold, MI and was a 1981 graduate of Gwinn High School. Throughout his lifetime, Jerry worked in the woods as a logger. He also was a bus driver for 10 years for the Gwinn School District and Wells Township. Jerry later was employed by Potlatch in Gwinn for 10 years, and ended his working career as a plant manager for Dejnos, Inc. when his health declined. Gerald Roberts married the former Debbie Parrish on July 23, 1983 at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Gwinn. The couple recently celebrated their 37th wedding anniversary and together raised 2 children, Jessica and Josh. Jerry was an avid outdoorsman and greatly enjoyed hunting and fishing. He spent many years farming and enjoyed raising miniature horses. Jerry looked forward to attending auctions to add more “treasures” to his collection. He was a family man first and loved spending time with his wife and kids.  

Jerry Roberts is survived by his wife, Debbie Roberts of Gwinn; daughter, Jessica (Domingo) Ramirez of Dale, WI; son, Josh (Toni) Roberts of Rumely, MI; future grandson, Gerald Gunnar Roberts (due January 2021); August VanElsacker of Gwinn; brothers, James (Kelly) Roberts of Arnold, Dean (Cheri) Roberts of Gwinn, Jeff Roberts of Arnold, and John (Barb) Roberts of Arnold; sisters, Connie Williams of Mountain Grove, MO, Jacqueline (Rodger) Cole of Northland, and Inez (Tony) Gustafson of Foster City, MI; and many nieces and nephews.

Jerry was preceded in death by his grandparents; and his parents, James and Emma.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., Saturday, August 15, 2020 at the Wells Township Hall in Arnold, MI. Funeral services celebrating the life of Jerry will follow at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, with Mr. Bill Hill officiating. The family would like to extend a special thank you to all of the doctors at Mayo Clinic and the Marquette Cancer Center. Also, to Lake Superior Life Care and Hospice, especially Jenna Lee, for all of their care and compassion given to Jerry. 

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