Gerald "Gerry" A. Walters Died June 25, 2020

Gerald “Gerry” August Walters

Died June 25, 2020

            SUTTONS BAY –Gerald A. Walters packed his last pipe, poured his last drink of scotch, and dealt his last game of euchre before quietly passing to join his wife Pauline in heaven on June 25th. Gerry enjoyed a good life of 98 years. One of his favorite phrases as of late was “It’s hell to get old but it’s good to still be here.” The son of Lawrence (Loren) & Lois (Eddleman) Walter, Gerry was born January 25, 1922 in Suttons Bay. He graduated from Suttons Bay High School where he excelled at basketball, winning numerous awards for his free throw ability. He learned the trade of a Blacksmith in his father’s L.J. Walters Blacksmith & Livery Stable, formerly located on St. Mary’s Avenue in Suttons Bay.

     He was a Veteran of World II, proudly serving our country from December of 1942 - December of 1945, where he was active in the Rhineland Central Europe Campaign. He obtained the Rank of T/5 serving as a Blacksmith. In subsequent years he participated in many Memorial Day and Fourth of July parades, still looking sharp in his World War II uniform.

     Gerry was a 51 year member of Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 85, member of the American Legion, life member of Lake Leelanau’s V.F.W Little Finger Post 7731, life member of the Knights of Columbus, and life member of the Ruskin, Florida, Elk’s Club. Besides working as a Master Pipefitter, he also owned a farm where he grew cherries, plums, and prunes as well as maintained a large garden. Many days were spent with family and friends fishing and hunting including several trips out west hunting antelope and mule deer with his sons.

            After the war, Gerald returned to Suttons Bay where he met and married Pauline Sharnowski, a local Suttons Bay gal, and they spent the next 70 years together. Together they attended many polka dances around the county and hosted numerous corn roasts at the family farm. Years later they spent many winters at their second home in Ruskin, Florida as well as trips to Arizona, California, Alaska, and Washington, D.C.

Together they had nine children who will miss him dearly – twins, Larry and Gary Walters, Gloria (Robert) Rothgarber and Shirley (George) Caplinger of Suttons Bay, Linda (Dwaine) Schaub of Cape Coral Florida, Merry Sue (the late Steven) Megill of Suttons Bay, Gerald “Nick” (Judy) Walters and Paulette (Barry) Andrews of Traverse City, and Ken (Erin) Walters of Comstock Park. Gerry’s children blessed him with 26 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren. In addition to his children he is also survived by his sisters, Vera Bouwhuis, Katherine Flohe, Mary Lou Rothgarber; and sister-in-law, Fern Walter. He was preceded in death by his wife, Pauline; parents; brothers, James, Albert, Earl, and Charles; his infant twin sons, Larry & Gary; granddaughter, Kristin Rothgarber; sons-in-law Tim Fuller and Steve Megill; daughter-in-law, Peggy Walters; and newborn grandson, Dakota Walters.

            The family is especially grateful to his long-time caregiver, Kathy Eggert, for her exceptional care, compassion, and comforting kindness that she extended to Gerry, and also to Hospice of Michigan for their excellent care and assistance in his final months.

In accordance with his wishes, cremation has taken place. A memorial mass at St. Michael’s Church of Suttons Bay and burial in St. Michael’s Cemetery will be announced at a later date.

            Gerry was a very faithful man and a lifelong devoted parishioner of St. Michaels Church.  Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a donation directed to St. Michaels Church, PO Box 9, Suttons Bay, MI 49682 or Hospice of Michigan, 10850 E Traverse Hwy #1155, Traverse City, MI 49684 or the Suttons Bay Bingham Fire and Rescue Department, PO Box 280, Suttons Bay, MI 49682  

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