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Jerry Walsh

Jerry Walsh

NORTH MUSKEGON, MI – Jerry Walsh died from the effects of Lou Gehrig’s disease on Friday, September 21, 2018.

He was born October 1, 1937 and was the first of seven children born to Edward and Lucille (Lyon) Walsh. Jerry was raised in Shaftsburg, MI and graduated from Perry High School Class of 1956. His passion for travel took him many places and with that a wide variety of jobs. He moved to Marquette in 1992 and graduated from NMU’s School of Nursing Class of 1995. He found his passion in hospice care. His career sent him to Kansas City for a decade and eventually back to the U.P. Most recently Jerry lived in North Muskegon where he spent his days with family and watching birds.

To sum up Jerry is to say he was a voracious reader and he loved the outdoors. His days were filled kayaking, fishing, hunting, snowshoeing, hiking, gardening and especially bird watching. He loved to travel and spoke fondly of his time out west and a trip to Ireland with his late wife Phyllis. Jerry was somewhat of a coffee enthusiast and would always welcome guests with a cup and lively, quick witted conversation. Following his diagnosis of ALS he remained a considerate host offering a cup of coffee he could no longer enjoy. Even with his diminished ability to speak he would quickly write his thoughts to share. His written word will remain a treasure to those he leaves behind.

Jerry is preceded in death by his parents Edward and Lucille (Lyon) Walsh, wife Phyllis Burrell, siblings Cheryl Radomski and Stephanie Walsh and nephew Thomas Walsh.

He is survived by his children Brian (Renee) Walsh of North Muskegon, MI, John Buruse of Marquette and Kristie Buruse of Marquette. Known as Furry Grandpa he is further survived by grandchildren Eli and Eva Walsh of North Muskegon, MI, Marine Zachary Buruse of Green Bay, WI, Lucas Buruse of Marquette and Timothy Muladore of Marquette. Siblings include Michael (Ardena) Walsh of Lansing, MI, Kathleen Walsh (Jack Ridenour) of Belleville, MI, Roy Walsh of Gwinn, MI, and Philip Walsh of Belleville, MI. Jerry is further survived by many cousins, nieces and nephews. He was blessed with many special friends, including Tom and Barb Buchkoe, Jack and Nancy Barnes, Gordon Gearhart and Spiritual Partner Susan Collins of Bridgman along with Mark, Amy, Noah and Keira Warner of South Bend, IN.

Per Jerry’s request friends and family are asked to spread his ashes at a place that they shared a fond moment and memory with him. A private remembrance will be held at a later time.