| Graduation Year | Class of 1961 |
| Date of Birth | Jul 23, 1943 |
| Date of Passing | Sep 15, 2022 |
| About | Gerald Edward Keiser was born July 23, 1943 in Petoskey to Willis and Nellie Keiser. Gerald’s family moved to Charlevoix when he was seven. Jerry graduated from Charlevoix High School with the class of 1961. During his high school years he played football and worked at Edwards IGA. In 1966 he graduated from the University of Michigan with a Masters in Forestry. After college, Jerry was commissioned as an engineering Naval officer on a wooden minesweeper during the Vietnam war. He began his professional forestry career with Packaging Corporation of America, Mead Paper Company and then started his own consulting forestry business. He also owned and operated the Dairy Mart in Indian River. During this time he designed and built with some help multiple homes for his family. He enjoyed being in the woods, baking cookies, reading and history. He sang in his church choir for many years. He was active in the Bliss Pioneer Memorial Church and presided over the Control Board. He led several Memorial Day Services as well as the fall services. Jerry peacefully passed away September 15, 2022 at Bay Bluffs with family and friends close by. Jerry is survived by his wife Linda, daughter Michelle ( Jason) Banaszak, daughter Ginger (Mike) Fricke, son Patrick Keiser, son Ben (Becky) Heminger, daughter Sarah (Jim) Woolever and five grandchildren. There will be a Celebration of Life for Jerry on Friday, November 25th at 1:00 in the Harbor Springs United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Harbor Springs United Methodist Church, Bliss Pioneer Memorial Church or Ellsworth Ebenezer Christian School. |
