Gerald L. "Jerry" Thorp

Gerald Lee "Jerry" Thorp, age 73, of Athens passed away peacefully on Wednesday morning, October 14, 2015 at the Bronson @ Home Good Samaritan Hospice Residence. He was born in Battle Creek on March 12, 1942, the loving son of Gerald L. and Fern E. (Fredenburg) Thorp. Jerry retired from General Motors in 1997 after more than 35 years of faithful service. A true outdoorsman, Jerry enjoyed mowing his yard, was an avid Tigers fan, and truly loved spending time with his family.

Jerry married the "Love of His Life", Ella H. Holzhaus on October 20, 1964; she sadly preceded him in death on May 30, 2010. He is survived by his children, Brenda (Jim) Hall of East Leroy, Jeffrey (Birgitt Humphrey) Thorp of Battle Creek, and Kimberly ("D.J.") Jackson of Bellevue; his grandchildren, Kori (Frankie), Zac (Jalese), Chelsy, Ashley, Austin, Taylor, and Lyndsie; his sister, Carolyn (Patrick) Kelly; brothers, Kenny Johnson, Mark (Lori) Johnson, and an uncle, Lynn Fredenburg of Scotts.

At the request of the family, they will receive friends 4:00 to 8:00 p.m., Sunday, October 18, 2015 at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care where funeral services to celebrate Jerry's life will be held 11:00 a.m., Monday, October 19, 2015 with his son-in-law, Chaplain Jim Hall, officiating. Interment will follow at Newbre Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations to the American Heart Association. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.