Jerome J. Bischer Jr., “Jay”

Jerome J. Bischer Jr., “Jay”, 53, of Onaway, died Friday May 13, 2022 at McLaren Northern Michigan hospital in Petoskey. The eldest son of Jerome “Jerry” and Marsha (Kaluzinski) Bischer, Jay was born in Detroit January 26, 1969. He was raised in Onaway, graduated from Onaway High in 1987, and furthered his education at Michigan Technological University and Alpena Community College. On February 12, 2015, Jay married Michelle Beck in Rogers City and they made their home in Onaway.  Civic-minded, Jay served on the Onaway Ambulance Board and was an Onaway City Commissioner.

In 1987, Jay spent his first summer working for the Michigan State Parks at P.H. Hoeft State Park in Rogers City. Little did he know that summer job would evolve into a career that would span more than 30 years. He currently was the supervisor at Hartwick Pines, but his first ranger position was at P.H. Hoeft. Jay also served at Onaway and Clear Lake State Parks during his career. Well-known in the state park system, he was passionate about the units he worked in and anyone who visited could easily see the pride he brought to the position. With his expertise in electrical and chain saw safety, Jay led training sessions for park employees. He was quite skilled with a chain saw and would have made an excellent lumberjack the way he could perfectly fall a tree.

Jay enjoyed deer hunting, making log furniture, and following in the footsteps of his father, was an excellent gardener who could make anything grow.  He raised and bred rabbits and built his chickens the “Taj Mahal” of all chicken coops.  He loved to watch the chickadees, adored his dogs, June Bug and Cricket, and loved his favorite cat, Spike.  Jay was a trivia wiz with a sharp mind for strategic board games and was an avid online gamer.  He loved the Game of Thrones series and B-rated Zombie movies were his favorite. He enjoyed watching sports, especially the Detroit Red Wings.

Jay was a man of few words who’d let you know when he wanted to say something. He could be a bit grumpy but had a big heart for his family, his dogs, and his Michelle. He was a loya

l friend, a good neighbor, and put his “all” into everything he did. He was secure in who he was and had a brilliant mind. He will be sadly missed by his wife of seven years, Michelle; parents, Jerry and Marsha Bischer; a brother, Bob (AnneMarie), all of Onaway; a sister, Carol Bischer of Bay City; his mother-in-law, Mary Jo Beck of Alpena; as well as four nieces, Jordan, Rachel, Tanaka and Alina.  Jay also leaves aunts, uncles, cousins, and many friends, some he’s had since grade school. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Butch and Adeline Bischer.

Visitation was held at Chagnon Funeral Home Monday, May 16, followed by a funeral service Tuesday, May 17, at Chagnon Funeral Home.  The Rev. John Shipman officiated.  Those planning an expression of sympathy please consider a donation in memory of Jay to the Stewardship Program for the Michigan State Parks.