GERALD LANCASTER

Gerald (Jerry) Lancaster, age 95, was called home today, Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2024, after a loving and compassionate stay at Turning Brook (memory care unit).

Jerry was born to Willis and Eva (Lundeen) Lancaster on March 22, 1929, in Detroit. On Aug. 25, 1947, he married Evelyn Trautman. She preceded him in death on Oct. 25, 2014. His father, Willis Lancaster, was an esteemed crane operator who worked throughout Michigan building bridges and cultivated in his young son, Jerry, a passion for hard work, fearless problem solving and unwavering tenacity. These traits proved invaluable after the pair was denied business loans from every bank in the area, until finally convincing a relative to borrow them four thousand dollars, which they used to start Lancaster and Sons (L&S) Concrete Company in 1950. Jerry’s high standards might have made him a tough boss (just ask all his grandsons!), but he was always fair and ran his company with integrity. Later, his son, Tim, had the formidable task of moving his 90-year-old workaholic father from the operator’s seat of his payloader and into retirement. This free time soon resulted in a solo muzzleloader hunt at camp and a nice eight-point buck, not bad for a 90-year-old!

Like his father, he was an avid outdoorsman, with hunting, fishing, and cribbage held in highest regard. He was a founding member of the Pine Knot Hunt Club in Alpena and the Chloe Club in Canada. Jerry kept a positive attitude and a good sense of humor. His quiet generosity over the years has supported many sports teams, 4H clubs, school projects, non-profits, playgrounds, churches and other community developments. He was an active member of Grace Lutheran Church, the Sportsman Club, Alpena Exchange Club, and numerous other community projects. He is and will forever be an inspiration to all who knew and loved him.

Jerry is survived by his three children, Sherie (Rich) McTaggart, Tim (Dawn) Lancaster, Pamela Lancaster Malaney; 10 grandchildren Lisa McIntosh, Bryan (Julie) Stafford, Stephanie (Phil) Paquette, Ben (Jenny) Hoppe, Jerred (Megan) Hoppe, CJ (Jeanette) Malaney, Michael (Nicole) Malaney, Austin Malaney, Taime LaFave, Damien LaFave, 13 great-grandchildren; sister Karen (Clarence) McIntosh; brother Tom (Sharon) Lancaster; sister-in-law Dorothy Peterson. He is preceded in death by his brothers Robert Lancaster and John Lancaster.

Visitation will take place Sunday at Bannan Funeral Home from 2 to 6 p.m. and continue Monday at Grace Lutheran Church from 10 a.m. until the funeral service at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Thomas Orth officiating.

Interment: Grace Lutheran Cemetery

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice of Michigan or Grace Lutheran Church.