Jerry was born January 31, 1932 in Palmer to Jack and Gladys (Swanson) Nease. He was raised in Palmer and attended Negaunee High School. He proudly served in the U.S. Army from 1951-1953. He earned the Purple Heart Award for wounds received in combat while serving with the 7th Infantry Division near Kumwha, North Korea. He also received many other medals during his tour of duty. Following his service to his country he returned home and married Judy (Jarvela) on April 24, 1954. He worked in the area mines until 1957. He attended the Northern Michigan University Police Academy and took classes from the Federal Bureau of Investigation. He joined the City of Negaunee Police Department where he served from 1957-1965. After briefly returning to the mines, Jerry was appointed as the undersheriff of the Marquette County Sheriff’s Department in 1968. In 1976 he joined Cleveland Cliffs as the Chief of Security at the Tilden Mine, retiring in 1992. After 10 years of retirement he went to work at Cupcakes Car Wash in Marquette. During his retirement, Jerry enjoyed traveling with Judy, spending time with their children and grandchildren, and attending yearly reunions with the veterans from Jerry’s platoon.

Mr. Nease was a member of Bethany Lutheran Church, Negaunee where he served on the church council, the Fellowship Hall committee, the Building Committee, and was an usher. He was a life member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, the V.A. Romo Post #3165 V.F.W., and the Disabled American Veterans. He was a former member of the Negaunee Masonic Lodge, the Marquette County Law Enforcement Officer’s Association and the Ishpeming Beagle Club.

Survivng are his wife of 58 years, Judy, six children: Vicki (Doug) Quayle of Marquette, Lori Nease of Gwinn, Glenn (Jodi) Nease of Negaunee, Bob (Theresa) Nease of Marquette, Geri (Mike) Niemi of Ishpeming, and Paula (Brad) Hupp of Gwinn, ten grandchildren: Jennifer (Brian) Lahti, Lindsey (Joe) Prusi, Jeffrey (Amy) Niemi, Bobbi Nease, Josh Nease, Krista (Ryan) St. Germain, Jake Nease, D.J. Quayle, Morgan Hupp and Gabriel Wing, seven great grandchildren: Blair and Grayson Lahti, Logan, Brody, and Cole Prusi, Ella and Evan Niemi, two sisters: Joanne Racine and Suzanne Bjorne, both of Ishpeming, a brother, Conrad (Barbara) Nease of Sparks, Nevada, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Jack Nease and a niece, Linda Sue Byer. Lovingly called ‘Papa’ by his grandchildren, Jerry is remembered for his infectious smile, and the love he showed for his family. He cheered avidly for the Detroit Red Wings and Tigers, University of Michigan football, the Green Bay Packers, and any sport or activity involving his grandchildren.

Funeral services celebrating Jerry’s life will be held at Bethany Lutheran Church in Negaunee at 4:00 PM on Tuesday with Rev. Marcia Solberg officiating. The family will greet relatives and friends at the church from 2:00 PM until the time of services at 4:00 PM on Tuesday. A luncheon will follow the service in the church hall.

The family wishes to thank Marquette General Hospital and Lake Superior Hospice for their compassionate care.

Condolences may be expressed online at www.koskeyfuneralhome.com