Gerald ‘Gerry’ Lee Knight

Gerry was born in Ishpeming, MI, on May 30, 1940, the son of the late Earl and Myrtle (Pohlman) Knight. He graduated from Ishpeming High School in 1958, attended Northern Michigan University and furthered his education at Saginaw General Hospital School of Nursing, where he received his Registered Nursing degree.

Gerry first enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1966, for two years and was honorably discharged in 1968. He then reenlisted in 1970, as Captain Gerald L. Knight. He did two tours of duty in MASH units as an RN on the front lines in Vietnam, working 12 hour shifts to take care of wounded soldiers. He also became Clinical Head Nurse of the General Medicine and Neurology nursing unit in the Department of Nursing at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland.

After serving his country, Gerry continued his nursing profession at Johnson Memorial Hospital in Stafford Springs, Connecticut, where he worked as Head Nurse of the ER before returning to the U.P. and settling in Houghton. As the Head of Housekeeping at the Ramada Inn in Hancock, he was known to work all holidays so employees could have time off with their families. Every Thanksgiving, he served in the kitchen of a local church to cook dinner for those who had no place to go on that day, as well, he would bake bread and muffins for his neighbors and friends every Christmas. Any time a person was down on their luck, Gerry would do all he could to help them with groceries, money or any other favors he could provide. He was known as a kind and gentle soul, a friend to everyone and to any stray cat who walked onto his porch.

He is survived by his sister; Jeanne Knight (Joe Lichterman) of Two Rivers, WI, along with several nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

Gerry was preceded in death by his parents and siblings; Earl, Margaret (Filizetti), Grace (Hocking) and Sally (Truscott).

His family wishes to thank Portage Home Health & Hospice, GreenTree of Hubble and his long time friend Marie Isaacson. Honoring Gerry’s wishes, there will be no public funeral service. Inurnment will take place at the Ishpeming Cemetery.

Gerry’s obituary may be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com.