Obituary of Jerald Kroeger

Jerald Richard Kroeger was born in Monroe on November 9, 1945. He was the son of the late Elmer Kroeger and the late Irene (Henry) Kroeger. He attended Dundee Schools. Jerry as he was known to his family and friends married the love of his life the former Margaretta Mae "Cookie" (Hurst) Marion on July 16, 1977 at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Ida. Together the couple would raise four children. For thirty-three years, Jerald supported his family with employment at Ford Motor Company. He worked in Production retiring from the Rawsonville Plant in 1997. Jerry was an avid University of Michigan Football fan. A car fanatic with OCD, Jerry took superb care of his own vehicles, and he enjoyed attending classic car shows. As a young man he had spent time drag racing, but even after his own career ended he loved to watch drag racing, tractor pulls, and NASCAR. Fishing was another favorite pastime. Jerry had a great sense of humor and he loved to make others happy. He showed his love for others with his mischievious smile and his willingness to give grief! It seemed the more he picked the more he loved. He was a devout member of the North Monroe Street Church of God where he enjoyed worship and had proudly participated in several of the church plays. Jerry, age 70 of Monroe passed away peacefully on Monday, April 4, 2016 at Promedica Monroe Regional Hospital. In addition to his parents his passing was preceded by his wife: Cookie on January 10, 2010; an infant sister: Valetta Mae; and three brothers: Leland, Lionel, and Carlisle Kroeger. To cherish his memory he leaves a daughter: April (Mike) Tezak of Monroe; three sons: Kevin (Kim) Marion of Tiffin, Rick (Sherrie) Kroeger of Monroe, and Donnie Marion of Toledo; one brother: Norman of Tennessee; three sisters: Shirley Roe of Dundee, Rita Purdy of Toledo, and Barbara (Bob) Feldkamp of Deerfield; fifteen grandchildren; and eleven great grandchildren. Friends may gather from 4:00-8:00pm on Wednesday, April 6, 2016 at Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe (734) 384-5185. A Celebration of His Life will take place at 11:00am, Thursday, April 7 also at Merkle's with Pastor Rick Massingill officiating. Procession will follow to Lulu Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the church. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com; Online Tributes page.