Gerald Wing

Gerald Russell Wing, formally of Lambertville, MI and more recently of Grand Rapids, MI died on August 21, 2023.

Gerald “Jerry” was the son of Harold and Margaret Chase Wing of Dansville, MI. He was born in Mason, Michigan in July 1939. Jerry attended Dansville High School and graduated in 1957. He then attended Michigan State University where he majored in Business Education, graduating in 1962. At MSU, Jerry was a member of Delta Sigma Phi. He went on to earn a master’s degree in educational administration from Eastern Michigan University and a specialist in arts degree in 1988.

He accepted his first job as a teacher and coach at Mason High School in Monroe County, MI.  While at Mason, Jerry met his true love, Janet Alspaugh. They married in December 1965 and moved to Lambertville, MI where they continued teaching. Jerry worked in many capacities in the Monroe County school district. He was a teacher, a track coach, and an athletic director. He was the director of Community Education at Bedford Public Schools and eventually the superintendent of Whiteford Public Schools. He retired as the Superintendent of Monroe County Intermediate School District. He established the Bedford Senior Citizens Center and chaired the Monroe County Commission on Aging. Jerry received the Governor's Award citing his leadership efforts on behalf of his fellow citizens. He was an esteemed member of his community and always passionate about public education.

Jerry was predeceased by his wife Janet Alspaugh Wing. He left behind two sons and their wives, Matthew and Amy Wing of East Grand Rapids, MI and Andrew and Kimberly Wing of Freeport, ME. Jerry was incredibly proud of his six grandchildren – Lucy Wing (Andrew) who graduated from the University of Vermont, Lily Wing (Matthew) who attends Michigan State University, Augustus Gerald Wing (Andrew) who attends Montana State University, Katelyn Wing (Matthew) who attends Michigan Technical University, Evelyn Wing (Matthew) and Lukas Russell Wing (Matthew) who both attend East Grand Rapids High School. He also leaves his cherished siblings, Charles and Ellen Wing of Atlanta, GA, Carol and Lee Hurford of Lambertville, MI and Joyce and Ray Townsend of Caledonia, MI and his predeceased brother, Donald Wing.

Jerry and Jan spent much of their retirement on the north shore of Houghton Lake where they enjoyed family, friends, wildlife sightings and boat rides. Jerry loved fishing and hunting in keeping with Wing family tradition. And the fish fry gatherings at Grampa's house next door at the lake are cherished memories.

Jerry will be remembered for his generosity, love of family and lifelong friendships. A graveside service will be held at 11am on Saturday October 7th at Whiteford Cemetery, Whiteford Twp., MI.

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