Kloostra, Gerald Rean “Jerry”
Jackson, Michigan
Our loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather gained his eternal wings on Saturday, April 13, 2024. Born March 31, 1936 in Pella, Iowa the son of Rean J. and Dena C. Kloostra. Jerry started with Vermeer Manufacturing in Iowa and later became the owner-operator of Vermeer Sales and Service in Jackson, MI until his retirement in 1990. He worked for 10 years at Krupa Boat Mart. He was a devoted member of the First Presbyterian Church in Jackson, MI. He was a 25 year member and past president of a full gospel interdenominational camp in Kissimmee, Florida. He enjoyed hunting, motorcycles, owning horses, and boating on Lake Michigan with family. Most of all, he loved flying airplanes. He was age 20 when he earned his pilot license, which later he gained ratings for instrument flying, multi-engine planes, and commercial aircrafts. He would often fly his family to dinner and other events around the state.
Surviving are his wife of 67 years, Janice E. Kloostra; 2 daughters, Pamela (Jim) Clelland-Jilbert, and Deborah (Larry) Kloostra-Meltzer; 5 grandchildren, Mitchell (Megan) Clelland, Lyndsey (Kyle) Mantecon, Alexis Jilbert, Brookelynn (Richard) Washington, and Hannah Meltzer; 7 great-grandchildren, Everly Clelland, Hudson Clelland, Maximus Mantecon, Ryker Mantecon, Griffin Mantecon, Daphne Washington, and Ellis Washington; sister, Geneve Engbers; brother, Harlan (Sally) Kloostra; many nieces, nephews, and friends. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; brother-in-law, Ernest Engbers.
The Celebration of Jerry’s Life will be a private family event with interment at the First Presbyterian Church.
Contributions in memory of Jerry may be made to Jackson’s First Presbyterian Church; American Cancer
Society; The Gideons International; St. Jude’s.
Please express your condolences to the family at www.watson-funeral-chapels.com.
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