Jerome Heron

Jerome Heron, “Jerry”, 85, of Millersburg, died Saturday, October 1, 2016 at McLaren Northern Michigan Hospital in Petoskey. The son of Charles and Murna (Bradley) Heron, Jerry was born in Grosse Pointe Farms August 4, 1931.

Jerry made a career in the U.S. Navy, serving during both the Korean and Vietnam Wars, working as a radio operator, and achieving the rank of chief petty officer. It was while he was stationed in Japan, that he met Mary “Susie” Suzuki. They were married in Yokohama, Japan April 8, 1960 and eventually moved to Millersburg after Jerry retired from the Navy in 1972.  Jerry then spent 16 more years working as a radio operator at Calcite before retiring permanently.

Strong in his Catholic faith, Jerry attended Mass daily and was a longtime member of St. Paul Catholic Church in Onaway.  He enjoyed working with Susie in their garden each summer, hobby farming and fishing with his grandson. A “ham radio” enthusiast from the time he was a boy, Jerry was an amateur radio operator well before he joined the Navy. His call sign was W8HIB and his love for ham radio continued through his enti

re lifetime.  Jerry was generous and caring and had a great love for his family. Quiet, gentle and humble, Jerry will be sadly missed and remembered with much love.

Surviving Jerry is his wife of 56 years, Susie Heron of Millersburg; sons, Patrick (Danna) of Steam Boat Springs, Colorado and Joe (Kimberly) of Waukegan, Illinois; five grandchildren, Stephen, Gabrielle, Jacob, Ellie and Jenna; as well as two brothers, Jack of Edmore and George of Millersburg; sister, Theresa Parenteau of Millersburg; and many nieces and nephews.  Jerry was preceded in death by his sister, Helen Kolasa; and brother, Richard.

Visitation will be held at the Chagnon Funeral Home today (Thursday, October 6) from 4 until 8 p.m. with a wake service beginning at 7 p.m.  The funeral Mass will be from St. Paul Catholic Church Friday, October 7,  at 10 a.m.  Jerry’s final resting place will be at St. Paul Cemetery in Onaway. Those planning an expression of sympathy please consider a donation in memory of Jerry to St. Paul Catholic Church, PO Box 130, Onaway, MI 49765. Condolences may be shared with Jerry’s family at www.chagnonfh.com.