Gerald Thomas VanLuven, Jr.

Gerald (Jerry) Thomas VanLuven, Jr. passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Friday, September 28, 2018 at War Memorial Hospital in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan after a long battle with cancer. Jerry was born on June 9, 1959, in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan to Gerald and Barb (Berry) VanLuven, Sr. Jerry worked for the City of Sault Ste. Marie, Street Department, for 24 years. Jerry was an avid fisherman and loved being in his boat on the St. Mary’s River. At a young age, he developed his love for hunting and fishing from his father and uncles. Jerry cherished his weekend fishing expeditions with his father and loved University of Michigan football. His heart was as huge as “The Big House” and his blood ran true maize and blue. He enjoyed brownies made by his niece, Emily and special delivery of Krispy Kreme donuts by nieces, Kaitlynn and Kelsey. He enjoyed FaceTime visits with his nieces, Jillian and Pendle and mentoring his nephew, Philip, in the art of firearms. Jerry was also a member of the Christopher Columbus Hall. Jerry is preceded in death by father-in-law, Philip C. Ferroni, and his longtime friend, Randy Proffitt. Jerry is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Ellie (Ferroni) VanLuven; parents, Gerald and Barb (Berry) VanLuven, Sr.; mother-in-law Beverly Ferroni; brother Steven VanLuven; sister Michele (Bert) Hazen; sister-in-law Brenda (Dr. Rob) Mackie; brother-in-law John (Terri) Ferroni; nephews Gary Hazen, Chris Hazen, Philip Ferroni; nieces Jillian (Brenan) Pultz, Kaitlynn and Kelsey Mackie, and Emily Ferroni; great nieces, Verra Hazen, and Pendle Pultz; many special aunts, uncles and cousins and his cat, Bo; young friends Rob Proffitt, Kyle Bricco and Jack Pattison, whom he mentored. A Mass OF Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, October 2, 2018 at 12:00 noon at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 377 Maple Street, Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan with Father Sebastian Kavumkal as Celebrant. Friends wishing to remember Jerry are asked to consider making a donation to help cover medical expenses. Clark Bailey Newhouse Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www.clarkbaileynewhouse.com. A gathering will follow at the Christopher Columbus Hall.

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Gerald Thomas VanLuven, Jr.

June 9, 1959 - September 28, 2018