Gerald “Jerry” Alan Melcher

Gerald “Jerry” Alan Melcher, age 75 of Grand Haven, passed away on Wednesday, December 13, 2023, after a battle with cancer. He was born on October 28, 1948, in Grand Haven, MI, to the late George and Bonnie (Stygstra) Melcher. Jerry married Lora Vrablic on March 2, 1969 in South Carolina.

Jerry graduated from Grand Haven High School, Class of 1967. He served our country in the US Army from 1968 to 1970, during which he was deployed to Vietnam. Jerry then trained to be a plumber and became a Master Plumber. He was owner and operator of Melcher Plumbing until his retirement. He attended St. John’s Lutheran Church, was a member of the American Legion, Charles A. Conklin Post 28, and a life-long member of the VFW, Sgt. Alvin Jonker Post 2326.

Growing up, the Grand River was Jerry’s playground which instilled his passion for fishing and water-skiing; he even starred in the Whitey White Water Thrill Show. Jerry was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, snowmobiling, and camping. He also loved to play golf, go bowling, rebuild cars and trucks, and spend time at his cabin in Thompsonville.

Jerry will be forever remembered and missed by his wife of 54 years, Lora; and their two sons, Clint (Kim) Melcher and PJ (Kristin) Melcher, all of Grand Haven; five beloved grandchildren: Derek (Taylor) Melcher, Megan (Zack) Burke, and Jessica, Logan, and Samantha Melcher; great-granddaughter, Elizabeth Burke; father-in-law, Ora Richert, Jr.; sisters, Georgia (Kurt) Gillespie and Pam Melcher; in-laws, Rhonda Doerr, Robyn (Donna) Richert, and Renee (Scott) Narrol; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; and mother-in-law, Theresa Richert.

The Memorial Service for Jerry will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 6, 2024, at Klaassen Family Funeral Home with Pastor Tim Taylor officiating. Full Military Honors will be provided by the VFW, Sgt. Alvin Jonker Post 2326. The Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the VFW, Sgt. Alvin Jonker Post 2326 or Hospice of West Michigan.

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