Gerald Fritz Vedder

Gerald Fritz Vedder, 85, of Delta Township, Michigan, passed away unexpectedly on July 2, 2025. Gerald was born in Lansing, Michigan on August 19, 1939, to Erna (Kloppert) and Fritz Vedder. He is survived by his two sons Fritz (Becky), and Erich (Tiffany) Vedder, their mother, Janice (Vedder) Whipple, beloved granddaughters Alexis, Kendall, Allison, and Madelynn, his sister Marilyn Bennett of Fountain Valley, California and her sons James and Brett, and Gerald’s dear friend Shellie Fournier and her daughter Kassie Fournier.

Gerald graduated from Sexton High School in 1957, and later from General Motors Institute, with a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering. He was employed as an engineer at General Motors – Oldsmobile and later Buick, Oldsmobile, and Cadillac (BOC) Group, and retired on September 1, 1992 following 25 years of service.

He served in many capacities including, a junior engineer who assisted in developing the first generation 1966 Oldsmobile Toronado (Motor Trend Car of the Year), president of the Lansing Liederkranz Club, secretary of the Cass County Dear and Bear Club in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, and
member of Emanuel First Lutheran Church of Lansing.

Gerald enjoyed spending time with family and friends, attending his grandchildren’s activities and Michigan State University sporting events, golfing, O scale and Lionel model railroading, and time away at deer camp.

Visitation will be held Monday, July 14, 2025, from 4-7 p.m. at Estes Leadley Funeral Home, 325 W. Washtenaw St. Lansing, MI, and Funeral Service on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, 11 a.m. with visitation an hour before the service at Emanuel First Lutheran Church of Lansing, 1001 North Capital St. Lansing, MI, with internment and luncheon following.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Lung Association, Emanuel First Lutheran Church of Lansing, and the Steam Railroading Institute in Owosso, Michigan.