Gerald “Jerry” R. Williamson, age 87, of Rapid River, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 9, 2022 at Christian Park Healthcare Center in Escanaba.
Jerry was born December 29, 1934, in Trenary, MI; son of George and Velma (Mills) Williamson. A high school graduate and longtime resident of Rapid River, MI. An ironworker and proud member of Ironworkers local 8 for 34+ years. Hobbies included hunting, fishing and playing cards with friends and family. Was united in marriage to the former Eileen Tarrant on April 7, 1956; and together they spent 66 wonderful years making memories. Jerry will be deeply missed.
Jerry is survived by his wife, Eileen, daughter Mary Beth (Joseph) Gendron, son Edward (Tina Koish) Williamson, sisters Judy (John) Korhonen and Donna McShane, grandchildren Shannon and Aimee Gendron, and Stacey and Justin Peterson, as well as many nieces and nephews.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, as well as brothers Bill, Lloyd, and Douglas Williamson.
Jerry will be laid to rest in Rapid River Cemetery at a later date.
Denise Caposey - Skagway, AK
Dearest Uncle and Godfather. Life was better with you in it. I loved you deeply Uncle. Growing up I watched you and looked to you to find what was right and good. You meant the world to me, to us, me and my siblings. Noreen loved you so it made my dad jealous. You were so good with your hands and could fix or build anything. We enjoyed our time in the UP with you. You taught us all so much. You have given us much fodder for storytelling and there will be many stories told in your honor. For that and so much more, I thank you. Thank you for loving my Auntie Eileen the way you did. Thank you for being so solid and unflinching for our family. Thank you for loving me. You will be missed.
Your niece in Alaska (thanks to you),
Denise
Mike & Patti Schrull - LaGrange, OH
Condolences to the family and my friends Tina and Ed. I know what it’s like to lose a great man. May he Rest In Peace.
Eileen Henry - Nokomis, FL
R. I. P.
Uncle Jerr you were the best!
Thanks for all the wonderful memories!
Dan Bjorkquist - Gladstone , MI
Jerry was a perfect example of what a husband, father, and “papa” should be. In the almost 20 years I’ve known him, I don’t think I ever saw him raise his voice. He was slow to anger and fast to forgive. (Except maybe when Marybeth and Ed were giving he and Ilene a run for their money as “busy” teenagers!)
Whenever I ran into Jerry when he was “in town”, it was always at least a half hour or more as he loved to visit and talk as much as I do! Jerry lived a perfectly balanced life between being a hard worker and good provider to his family, and using his leisure time to experience life. Be it fishing with his grandchildren (he loved those girls) or traveling the country and the world with his family and friends. And anybody in sand bay will attest that he was the best neighbor you could ever have.
Jerry had a wonderful time living a full life, with good friends and a fine family. And I don’t think he would have wanted it any other way. I know he is in a better place with a fishing pole in one hand, and some E & J brandy in the other. Rest In Peace my friend.
Aimee Gendron - Escanaba, MI
The world lost an incredible person the day you passed away. I lost the best Grandpa. You loved Shan and I unconditionally. We could do no wrong in your eyes. I am so thankful to have been able to call you my Grandpa, my “Papa”. I have so many amazing memories with you. From hanging out with you at your log house on the Whitefish Hill, spending weeks out at your lake house with you and Gram, riding our bikes around Mackinac Island with you and Gram, going to Chicago to see Aunt Mag(may she Rest In Peace), spending a month in Ireland, going to Florida, taking Shan and I on your catamaran and fishing in your boat(even though I was impatient); amongst so so many other amazing times with you. You went above and beyond for your family. You would do anything for anyone. You were a great handyman and could fix anything. I can’t name a more selfless , kind, trustworthy, honest, nice human being. Anybody that knew you, loved you and knew what a great man you were. I can only hope that some day I find a man just like you.
My heart aches for you, but I know you’re in a better place. No longer suffering with that horrible disease, dementia. I love you always and forever. You will always be my one and only “Papa”. The best Grandpa in the world. Rest In Peace, Papa. I love and miss you so very much.
Francie Larrabee - Rapid River, MI
To one of the finest men I have ever known❣️
Gerry and Eileen moved in next door to us. We became friends instantly. Gerry and Eileen had the best marriage I have ever seen. They were perfect role models to learn how to be wonderful grandparents! Our boys just loved them both. Gerry was so easy going. Will never forget Gerry carrying our youngest up on his shoulders to bring him home from their house. RIP Gerry. You will always live on in my heart.
Dennis Ness - Gladstone, MI
Jerry was an important part of Ness Contracting for a long time. He had a great ability to recognize what the project needed next and how to solve the challenges that came up every time. Beyond the job skills, Jerry was just a great guy to work with and customers often requested to have him back when we returned for additional projects. He was easy to talk to and quick to grasp ideas. On top of all these skills I know how much his family meant to him. Eileen, I’m so sorry for your loss and wish you comfort in this difficult time.
Shannon Gendron - Escanaba , MI
Papa,
You were my first best friend, my fishing partner, my protector, my handyman, my everything. You showed me what unconditional love really is. You always went above and beyond for us. I wish everyone had a grandfather like you. I cannot even explain in words how much I love you and how blessed our entire family is to have you in it. I will cherish every single memory that we created together, from the god awful soggy pickle juice soaked sandwiches you made us for lunch when you and I went fishing to when you were remodeling my bathroom and got stuck behind the new tub and had to crawl out that tiny access door, our trips to Disney, all of it was so amazing. I wouldn’t be the person I am today if it wasn’t for you and gram. I love you so much, until we meet again.
Robert j briere - Gladstone , Mi
Jerry
RIP, we worked some big jobs in our Ironworking career