Gerald (Jerry) F. McKouen

Age 92, of Lansing, Delta Township, passed away on October 29, 2013 under the loving care of his family. Born at his uncle’s home in Lansing, MI, he was preceded in death by his parents, Martin L. McKouen, and LaVanch K. McKouen, and sister Madelene Draher. He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Betty Jane; son, Gerald L. (Billie) McKouen, daughter, Patricia E. McKouen; (5) grandchildren: Michael Kirchen, Jr., Jon Kirchen, Bradley, Brian, and Thomas McKouen, (7) great-grandchildren; and brother Vincent McKouen.

Jerry graduated from St. Mary’s High School in June, 1939. While working at Oldsmobile, he was drafted into the Navy and served our country during World War II. While in the Navy, he was sent to the Kaneohe Naval Air Station in Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, where he served as an instructor in High Altitude Aircraft Bombing. He returned to Oldsmobile after being honorably discharged from the Navy and completed an apprenticeship as a Tool Maker. He retired from General Motors as General Foreman of the Tool Room in 1980 after 40+ years of service.

He loved to fly and flew his Beechcraft Debonair plane for many years. A crisp autumn morning would find him out in the fields hunting with his “other love”, his Brittney Spaniels. He was an excellent wood crafter. Rides in his Model A Ford were a family treat. He was known as “Mr. Fix-It” and fixed everything and anything for anyone that needed help.

He was a staunch fighter for the GM Retirees with many phone calls & visits to the State Capitol to meet with congressional members and the Governor. Fairness and justice were words that always called him to action.

Private services will be held with interment at Deepdale Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory can be made to the Capital Area Humane Society, 7095 W. Grand River, Lansing, MI 48906 or to the Hospice House of Mid-Michigan, 1210 W. Saginaw St., Lansing, MI 48915. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.estesleadley.com.

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3 Messages to “Gerald (Jerry) F. McKouen

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Jim Hurst
November 1, 2013 at 5:21 pm

Betty & family I am so sorry for your loss, Jerry was a good family man great husband, father, & friend. I only met and talked with Jerry several times but he made me feel like he had known me my whole life. He fought so hard for his fellows at GM for their suspended benefits a real trooper. Jerry will be remembered in my prayers and in the mass on Sunday. God bless him and keep him. Jerrys cousin Jim Hurst

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Gus, Connie and Jim Kavalaris
November 1, 2013 at 9:35 pm

Dear Betty and Family,

So sorry to learn of Jerry’s passing. He was an honest, fun and
sharing neighbor. Our deepest condolences to you. We will miss
him very much. Call us if we can be of any help to you.

Sincerely,
Gus, Connie and Jim Kavalaris

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Keith and Carol Hartman
November 3, 2013 at 7:44 pm

Tricia,
Just happened to see the obit in the paper. We are so sorry for your families loss. We never got to meet your Dad, but he sounded like a person that would have a blessing to know! Please know that you will be in our prayers. Get hold of us when time allows.
Carol and Keith

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