Gerald "Jerry" Jay Longnecker

Gerald “Jerry” Jay Longnecker, a lifelong Grand Rapids native, passed away surrounded by his loving family on January 23, 2025. Born on June 23, 1946, to Gust and Clara (née Kort) Longnecker, Jerry lived a full and meaningful life, always putting family and hard work first. Jerry graduated from Coopersville High School and built a successful metal fabrication business, Northwest Metal Products. He took great pride in his work, which was a reflection of his drive and determination. He shared 56 wonderful years of marriage with his wife, Linda Kay (née Morse), and together they raised two daughters, Sheri Longnecker-Meeks (Sean) and Julie Longnecker, who sadly passed away on January 25, 2004. Jerry was the proud grandpa of his grandson Cameron and three granddaughters, Kalen (Pablo), Ryan, and Juliana Meeks, all of whom brought him endless joy. Jerry is also survived by his sisters, Carol (Gene) Vander Wall and Sue (Dale) Kilbourne, as well as his extended family, including the late Charles and Edna Morse, Mary (Chuck) May, the late Jim (Julie) Morse, Gary (Gail) Morse, and Jeff (Janice) Morse. Jerry loved being behind the wheel of anything—whether it was his John Deere tractor, RV, fishing boat, ’67 Corvette, or his #36 and #14 race cars, taking home many checkered flags at Berlin Raceway. When he wasn’t flying to CA to see his grandkids or escaping the cold to FL, he enjoyed golfing and bowling with the guys or making his landscape immaculate. A man of deep faith, Jerry played a key role in helping build the new St. Anthony of Padua Church, leaving behind a legacy of service and commitment to his community. Jerry will be remembered for his big heart, contagious smile, and the countless memories he created with everyone who knew him. The Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Wednesday, January 29, 2025 at 11:00 am. Jerry will repose at the church one hour before the Mass. Entombment Rosedale Memorial Park Mausoleum. The family will receive visitors Tuesday, January 28, 2025 from 4:00 to 8:00 pm at the Arsulowicz Brothers Remembrance Mortuary, 3525 Remembrance Rd N.W. A Vigil Service with a Time of Sharing will be held Tuesday at 7:00 pm. Memorial contributions in Jerry’s honor may be made to the University of Michigan Transplant Center- Transplant Patient Emergency Fund https://search.app/fgEzwxRyXyW8PcdL8

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Gerald "Jerry" Jay Longnecker

June 23, 1946 - January 23, 2025