Robert "Jerry" Wartella

Robert "Jerry" Wartella, age 68, of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan went to be with his Savior Jesus on Saturday, June 13, 2015 from the Ball Hospice House. He was born on March 3rd, 1947 in Sault Ste. Marie to Robert and Verena Wartella. Jerry grew up in Moran and graduated from Rudyard High School in 1965. He was active in baseball, basketball, and football. He attended meat cutting school in Ohio and then moved to California to marry his wife: Dee Portis. He was drafted into the Army at Ft. Old, California. He was kept from going to Vietnam by teaching meat cutting to the cooks on base. Jerry came back to Michigan after the service to attend college and earned his degree in teaching. In addition to teaching he also coached basketball, football, track, and little league. He taught for the Sault area Schools for 30 years. He had been laid off for a period of time and learned how to do constriction from Floyd Hansen. He built many homes, garages, decks, and roofs and remodeled many homes during the summer months and after the long school days. He was involved in bowling league for many years, played softball, and loved to play golf. He enjoyed going to hunting camp and playing cards. He loved sports of all kinds and he was a huge Detroit Tigers fan, but his true love was Jesus, his wife and family. Jerry is survived by his wife: Dee; his children: Joe (Marcie) Wartella and Jennifer (Ray) Ross; grandchildren: Mike Arbic, Elishia LeBlance, Zeke, Abigail and Gabbey Wartella, Lauren (Dorren) Williams, and Tyler Ross; and great grandchildren: Owen and Viola Arbic, Cortana Snow and James Williams. Jerry is also survived by his borthers: Ron Wartella, Mick (Merk) Wartella and Chuck(Mary) Wartella; sisters: Delphine (Chuck) Frazier, Fayda (Ken) Mills; and his father-in-law: Joe Portis. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents: Robert and Verena; mother-in-law: Dolores Portis; bothers: Ray and Clifford Wartella; and sister: Sandra Johnston; daughter: Dena Wartella and great grandson: Hunter Ross. A memorial service will be held at 5:00 PM on Saturday, June 20th at Living Word Church North. Friends may gather from 3:00 until 5:00 PM. Dress will be casual with many wearing Detroit Tiger shirts. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be left to Hospice of the EUP.

Tributes

Robert "Jerry" Wartella

March 4, 1947 - June 13, 2015