Gerald Veeder's Obituary
Memorial service will be held at 11:30 a.m., Saturday, June 13th, 2015 at Mohnke Funeral Home. Gerald (Jerry) Veeder, 78, of Big Rapids passed away peacefully on April 4, 2015 with his wife Doreene and family by his side. Jerry was born August 1936 in Alma, MI and was the son of Lowell Veeder and Evelyn Johnson-Veeder of Alma, MI. Jerry dedicated 37 years of his life to education ensuring students had the opportunity to succeed through education. Jerry graduated from Alma High School and began his journey in education obtaining his Bachelor's Degree in Education from Michigan State University and his Masters in Industrial Education from Eastern Michigan University. Jerry began his career as a teacher in Waterford, MI in 1958 until a remarkable opportunity became available in Big Rapids in 1971 as Vocational Director for the Mecosta-Osceola Intermediate School District (MOISD) until his appointment as Assistant Superintendent for the Mecosta-Osceola Intermediate School District (MOISD). Jerry worked for MOISD for 24 years and his most notable contribution to the community is the Mecosta-Osceola Career Center which had a special place in his heart for twenty three years until his retirement in 1995. His drive, commitment and passion in the development of the skill center provided thousands of high school students the skills and foundation to embark upon a career. Jerry was a member of numerous Professional and Community organizations which included the American Vocational Association, Michigan Council of Vocational Administrators, Michigan Industrial Education Society and the State Special Needs Committee. Locally, he continued his lifetime membership with the Elks Club since 1966 and was named Elk of the Year 1980-81, member of the Big Rapids Chamber of Commerce, first President of the Northwestern Public Employees Credit Union, member of the Big Rapids Lions Club, Mecosta County Builders Scholarship Committee and County Park Commission and the Special Education Committee of Central Michigan. Jerry was a skilled craftsman and his legacy includes phenomenal woodworking projects treasured by his family, he enjoyed a variety of outdoor activities, camping and spending time with family and friends. Jerry and Doreene spent their retirement years split between Big Rapids and the warm climate of the Southwest enjoying their circle of family and friends who have come to know and love the gentle, respected, caring man. He is survived by his loving wife Doreene of 56 years and his three children Susan Veeder-McClellan of Mesa, AZ; David (Christine) Veeder of West Olive, MI; Jodie Veeder of Aurora, CO in addition to his beloved grandsons' Scott, Tyler, Eric, Mark and Cooper. Jerry is survived by two brothers, Warren (Gail) Veeder of Arizona and Dennis Veeder of Montana. Jerry's extended family members include Dolores Fowler (sister-in-law) of Traverse City, MI; Kay Veeder (sister-in-law) of Sumner, MI and many nieces and nephews. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents Lowell and Evelyn Veeder; brother Gordon Veeder and Phyllis Veeder (sister-in-law)of Midland, MI; Robert and Marcia Staley (brother-in-law and sister-in-law) of Hale, MI. Memorial service will be held at 11:30 a.m., Saturday, June 13th, 2015 at Mohnke Funeral Home.
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