Jerry Moeller

Jerry Moeller believed that life was a wonderful gift but all together too short. That is why he treasured each of the days given to him, devoted to his family and pursing the many passions he found in the great outdoors. Jerry lent his sense of humor and compassion to everyone around him. Because of his zestful pursuance of life, he reaped the rewards of a loving family and great friends. In the year 1933, America found itself in trouble as the Great Depression pushed toward new heights. One out of every four individuals was unemployed. It was a hard and challenging time, but in Muskegon, Michigan, Fred Moeller and his wife, Mae (Jones), maintained positive spirits by focusing on a special blessing in their lives. On April 20, 1933, they welcomed the birth of their youngest child, a son they named Jerry. Jerry had a happy childhood growing up in Muskegon. Along with his three older siblings, he used to play games in the nearby school playground, like kick the can and after dark they played ghost. For some wintertime fun, Jerry liked to ice-skate in their backyard and as he got older he would go snowmobiling with his friends. However, it was obvious from a young age that Jerry was going to be a great businessman one day, as he was always looking for ways to make money. Whenever his father took them for ice cream, Jerry said he would ask to have the nickel instead of the ice cream to add to his piggy bank. As a teenager, Jerry took on a paper route to make extra money, but by far his best investment came from selling the hamsters he raised to buyers overseas. In fact, he said he made more money on this project than he did as a teacher. Although being an entrepreneur kept him busy, Jerry always had time to fit in some sports, especially baseball and basketball. Jerry received his education in the area schools and graduated from Muskegon Heights High School in 1951. Thereafter, he meets his first wife Sally whom he married in 1954. They both attended school in Lansing and she worked while he completed his studies. Jerry earned his Under Graduate Degree in Accounting and Education, as well as a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) at Michigan State University. In 1969, Jerry embarked on his business career as a real estate developer, which spanned the next 38 years. Jerry and Sally raised three children and separated in 1971. Jerry would later find love with Cheryl, and they were married in December of 1977. Cheryl had three children of her own, whom Jerry eventually adopted and raised them along with his three children. Cheryl passed away from cancer on March 31, 1991. But Jerry was not destined to be alone; he married again six years later to Mary, on May 1, 1997. They enjoyed ten years together, traveling by cruises to places like the Panama Canal and Alaska, as well as taking in several Broadway musicals and plays; they both loved the theater. Jerry was always busy doing something he loved. He was very active in the Miss Michigan pageants as a past president. His wife Mary said Jerry loved life and always called himself a project person and has never quit planning for the next one. One of Jerrys greatest passions in life was hunting, and he loved nothing more than to share his love for the outdoors with his children and grandchildren. What started out as just a hobby also became quite a passion for Jerry this was his business of raising beagles. But they werent just regular beagles, they were Champion field trial beagles, and Jerry competed with them for many years, winning several awards and trophies. He was also a member of the Port City Beagle Club. In their retirement home which he and Mary had built, Jerrys office had high ceilings so he could fill the space with his many prized trophies of deer, elk, bear and other animals, as well as his MSU memorabilia. Jerry took great pride in sharing his accomplishments with others. In spite of his 13 year battle with cancer, Jerry maintained a positive attitude and he never let this disease rob him of his happiness and joy for life. His family, however, felt his most endearing traits were his peaceful nature, love for children and creative abilities. Jerry will be lovingly remembered for his big heart, his dry sense of humor and his intoxicating love for life. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather who tried each day to share his happiness with his loved ones. He will be dearly missed. Jerry Moeller, age 74, of Fremont, Michigan, died on Friday, July 27, 2007, at his home. He is survived by his wife, Mary Moeller; sons: Mark, John, Trevor; daughters: Lori, Christina, Stacie; sisters: Charlotte Ribecky, Louise Tickfor; brother: Fred Moeller; grandchildren: Kristen, Jeremy, Jessi, Mitchell, Becca, Anika; and great grandchildren: Ashton, Aidan, Aubrey. He was preceded in death by his parents and second wife, Cheryl Moeller. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, August 2, at 11 a.m. at St. Michaels Church in Brunswick with Father Alber officiating. Friends and relatives may visit with Jerrys family on Wednesday, August 1, from 7-9 p.m. at the Clock Life Story Funeral Home in Muskegon. Please visit Jerrys personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com to share a memory or sign his online guest book. Memorial contributions may be made to the Heartland Hospice.