Gerald “Jay” A. Pepin, age 74, of Gladstone, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 3, 2022 at OSF St. Francis Hospital in Escanaba.
Jay was born on November 15, 1948, in Escanaba, the son of Fred “Fritz” and Thelma (Varline) Pepin. Jay grew up in Gladstone and attended Gladstone High School. Following high school, Jay was drafted into the United States Army. After his honorable discharge, he enrolled at Bay de Noc Community College where he earned his Associates Degree. Jay worked for most of his life at UPS as a package delivery driver. He retired after 33 years. After retirement, he and his wife Katherine served as the Campground Hosts at the Gladstone Campground for many years.
Jay enjoyed collecting coins and baseball cards and watching the Green Bay Packers and Michigan State Spartans. He also was a member of the Gladstone and Escanaba Men’s Pool Leagues. But his biggest passion of all was fishing. He will be truly missed.
Jay is survived by his wife Katherine Pepin, children Jim (Jennifer) Pepin, Jason (Andrea) Pepin, and Jared (Samantha) Pepin, sister Sue (Bruce) Mason, brothers Mike Pepin and Dan (Penny) Pepin, grandchildren Zildjian Olson, Zayne Pepin, Kaitlyn Pepin, Nicholas Pepin, Jenna Pepin, Austin Pepin, and Kylie Arnold, and great grandchildren Kaiden Roland, Amirra Roland, Emmitt Roland, Kolson Porter, and Crue Porter.
Jay was preceded in death by his parents, Fritz and Thelma Pepin, as well as his parents-in-law, Bob and Betty Young.
Family will receive friends on Thursday, December 8, 2022 from 3:30 PM to 6 PM at Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. A closing prayer will conclude visitation at 6 PM.
Mio Johnson - Eagle River, AK
As friend of his older sister, I knew Jay while growing up, a cute kid. We became re-acquainted in 2019 when I was back in Gladstone for a class reunion, and I stayed in the Gladstone Camping ground. Jay managed it exceedingly well and made it an outstanding park. He was a real asset to the Gladstone community, and we enjoyed visiting as he told me about his vision for the Park. His untimely passing is a loss to the community as well as for his family and friends. He will be sorely missed.
Bryan McGraw - Libertyville, Illinois
So sorry to hear. I remember walking into the Pepin house like we use to own it when we were in high school, as Jay and Kathy were like having another set of parents. Thinking of you all.
John McQuiggin - Commerce twp, MI
Kathy and boys, so sorry to hear about Jay. I have a lot of good memories playing pool in the garage, beers and his great walleye fish fry! You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Andy P Wiltzius - Kingsford, MI
So sorry for your loss, we’ve gotten to know Jay over the years at the campground. He was such a good, easy-going guy who went out of his way to help. He will really be missed.
Andy and Brenda Wiltzius
John & Pat Yirsa - Lansing, MI
Pepin Family, We are so sorry to hear of Jay’s passing. My Father in Law John Yirsa was a good friend of Jays on the Pool League and a good fisherman. Your are in our prayers. I worked with Kathy at the bank. With Love and Gods blessings. Pat & John Yirsa
Sue Bernard - Gladstone , Mi
I’m so sorry to hear this. Prayers for all.
Kathy Elliott - Gladstone , MI
Kathy and Family, We were so sorry to hear of Jays passing. He’s going to be missed by all of us at the campground.
Hugs for you all and talking, laughing and crying about all the Great memories and fish stories you all have had and heard will keep him in your heart forever. Take Care. Kathy and Bill
Thomas Creten - Wetmore, MI
Kathy and family;
Jay was a great guy and I loved talking fishing with him whenever I was down at the campground. Easy going and a great campground host. So sorry for your loss. Tom & Sue Creten
Barb Lindeman - FELCH, MI
To Jay’s family… We stayed at the Gladstone campground for many years as our children were growing. Jay was so kind and wonderful to all of us. He will be greatly missed. The Lindeman, Jacobson and Charlevoix families.
Dale and Peggy Bray - Skandia , MI
Our prayers go out to you, Kathy, and your family. Jay will be so truly missed during camping and most of all fishing season. Great memories. Take care.