Jerry Paul Freel
Jerry Paul Freel, the son of Jay and Irene (Brady) Freel, was born at home in Millersburg January 22, 1949. He died at McLaren Northern Michigan hospital in Petoskey November 22, 2020 at the age of 71. Blessed with 28 years of marriage, Jerry married Wendy (Vogler) Domke October 24, 1992 in Millersburg.
A “Pit Rat,” as he referred to himself, Jerry made a career working in gravel pits, operating heavy equipment and driving truck. Through the years he worked for Northcott Excavating, Reith Riley, H & D, and Jay Freel and Sons, as well as working for himself. Visiting Alaska was always on Jerry’s bucket list; when he finally made the trip, he was there a week and ended up with a job working for Bloom Enterprises in their gravel pit. For someone who didn’t like to travel, Jerry sure did enjoy the 4,500-mile trek to Alaska. He returned to Alaska four times to work in the pit for the season and each time he made that long journey Jerry enjoyed it as much as the first time. With childlike wonder, he was in awe of the breathtaking landscapes, often using his GoPro to take videos of the beautiful scenery as he was driving (as well as narrating with his colorful commentaries). Which leads us to Jerry’s other driving habits…When behind the wheel Jerry definitely was NOT a follower. He had to be in the front of the pack and had no issue with passing car after truck after camper to take that first position. Definitely a “hot-rodder,” he loved fast cars, especially old muscle cars like the Oldsmobile 442 and loved the thrill of top end with the accelerator floored.
A lifelong resident of Millersburg, Jerry loved the outdoors. He was an avid deer hunter with great memories of hunting with his father and also with his son, Derek. He loved spending time at the “swamp” cabin where he always had a project to improve the deer habitat and hunting areas. Jerry built bridges, worked on deer blinds and cut shooting lanes.
He truly enjoyed his land and loved spending time there. Hunting was never far from Jerry’s mind. When he wasn’t at his property, he was meticulously reloading ammunition and testing his re-loads. He was a life member of the National Rifle Association. Jerry enjoyed watching old Westerns, tinkering in his garage, and working in the vegetable garden. He wasn’t much for weeding and watering; that part of gardening he left to Wendy while he did a fine job of moving dirt around with his Kubota.
Jerry was a guy who liked to stay busy and enjoyed his work. He was a straight shooter who would be honest even when others might not want to hear the truth. He had a bit of a stubborn streak, did things his way, and stood up for what he believed in. He was quite a character with a gift for telling fantastic stories full of embellishments and his smile could light up a room. He had a deep Christian faith, was loyal to his friends, and loved his family without condition. Jerry adored his mother and father and enjoyed living next door to them where he raised Paula and Derek with Grandpa Jay and Grandma ‘Rene close by, just how he liked it. He also thought the world of his Grandpa Alger and was close with his brothers and sisters throughout his entire life. Truly one of a kind, Jerry will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by all who knew and loved him.
Surviving Jerry is his wife, Wendy of Millersburg; a daughter, Paula (David) Lail of Onaway; a son, Derek Freel
Jerry was preceded in death by his grandson, Caleb; a sister, Faith Zampich; and his parents, Jay and Irene Freel.
Visitation was held at the Chagnon Funeral Home Friday November 27. Due to novel coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions, funeral services will be private. A Celebration of Life is being planned for a later date. Those planning an expression of sympathy please consider a donation in memory of Jerry to North Country Baptist Church.
