Jerome “Jerry” “Pops” Droste, Jr.
Age 67, passed away September 3, 2024. He was born July 4, 1957, in Lansing, Michigan, to Jerome, Sr. and Kathleen Droste. Jerry was a member of the American Legion Post 238 in Holt, where he was a Legion Rider. He was also an avid motorcycle rider. In his spare time, he loved to be with his grandkids, and lending a helping hand to others. Jerry was a jack of all trades.
Surviving are: his wife, Maria Rabi; children, Scott (Sierra) Droste, Paul Droste, and Jerome Droste III; step-children, Shawn (Maggie) Pennell, Christopher (Alexis) Bergau, Antonio Rabi and Jessica Rabi; 8 grandchildren, Anthony Droste, Makayla Droste, Katelin McLaughlin, Taylor Droste, Kanaloa Rabi, Kathleen Droste, Jack Droste and Gabriella Rabi; 2 great-grandchildren, Zamela Bastian and Watson Droste; 6 brothers, Peter (Linda) Droste, Michael (Buffy) Droste, David (Connie) Droste, Jeff (Tami) Droste, Christopher (Dan) Droste and Doug (Lynn) Saylor; 4 sisters, Patricia (Jim) Brennan, Barbara (Robert) Howland, Kayleen (Thomas) Risch and Diane Hirano along with many nieces, nephews and close friends. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Jerome, Sr. and Kathleen Droste and by his brother Joseph Droste.
A visitation will be held at the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel from 1:00-3:00 p.m. and 5:00-7:00 p.m. Friday, September 6, 2024. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Legion Post 238 in Holt. Online condolences may be left for his family at www.EstesLeadley.com.
Lyn and Gene Sheets
September 4, 2024 at 9:02 amSpread your wings Jerry and fly high! We have a lot of fond memories … those were the days.
Shawn Pennell
September 4, 2024 at 10:01 amThank you for showing me the right ways, and the wrong ones! Althought our lives kept us busy and our paths didn’t cross often, it is strange knowing our paths will not intersect again in this life. I wish you nothing but peace and hope the next chapter is ready for the Droste Holler. Rest easy, and ride hard! Love you Pops!
Phillip hernandez
September 4, 2024 at 10:43 amI learned alot of life lessons from you uncle you were always good to me.. still can’t believe your gone. I love you uncle Jerry.. ride high
Kelly Pung
September 4, 2024 at 12:24 pmMaria, I am so sorry for your loss. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Denny Fosburg
September 4, 2024 at 2:07 pmSad to hear this. You were a good man Jerry. may you Rest In Peace.
Marcia Everett
September 4, 2024 at 4:40 pmTo all the Droste Family. My heart is saddened and yet I am so grateful for all the fun times and great memories I have gotten to have with Jerry and his wonderful, loving Family. As a motorcycle enthusiast, and we had some good rides together, I am so happy he got to have his last big adventure out west earlier this year. You will be missed my friend. Keeping you all in my thoughts.
Michelle & Robert Rodriguez
September 4, 2024 at 8:55 pmWe are so sorry to hear this our condolences for Maria and family, Robert and I are here for you
Fly hi Jerry please watch over your family
Love
Michelle & Robert
Rodriguez
Diane Reck
September 4, 2024 at 9:13 pmI’m so sorry to hear of Jerry’s passing. My condolences to Maria and the Droste family. Jerry was a loving, kind man and he was so willing to help anyone. I know he came to my rescue a few times and I was always so grateful for his knowledge when it came to troubleshooting and fixing things. I’m so glad I got to know you and give a hug to your brother for me.
Jim and Ginny Joy
September 5, 2024 at 9:26 pmSending our condolences to Pete and Linda and all the Delete family. Praying for you to experience the comfort and peace of Jesus.
Patricia Mitchell
September 6, 2024 at 4:36 pmMy condolences to the Droste family. Known Jerry my entire life. Rest in Peace.
Linda Carey
September 6, 2024 at 7:24 pmSending lots of hugs and prayers to all the Droste family so sorry glad to have been part of the family for such along time.He was a great person.
Edrick Richardson
September 7, 2024 at 2:34 amI was absolutely saddened to hear of your passing. You were an uncle to me when you didn’t have to be. A friend with a guiding hand. Also, a disciplinarian when us kids needed it. You always treated me with respect. I’ll cherish that forever. Thank you for being a good man. Holler that Devastator yell my brother!! Love you…
Nick Sachjen
September 18, 2024 at 7:08 pmJerry and I used to work together at JLL. Jerry was a smart guy and a lot of fun to work with. He would always make me laugh. Sad to hear of his passing. Jerry was a good man!