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Gerald Hagie

Gerald Hagie

January 21st, 1933 - August 27th, 2023

Gerald's Obituary

Gerald R. Hagie, 90, of Dowagiac, passed away on Sunday, August 27, 2023 at Corewell Health Lakeland Hospital in St. Joseph, MI.

He was born on January 21, 1933 in Milwaukee, WI, the son of Sheridan Hagie and Elizabeth (Schemensky) Hagie. Gerald was known as Jerry by some and Sparky to his fellow veterans and friends.

Jerry was a veteran of the United States Army serving 2 years in the at Fort Carson, Colorado on Ski Patrol. He then transferred to the Army Reserves, which he served for 8 years. During his years in the Army, Jerry studied Martial Arts, where he taught and inspired other young men to follow in his footsteps.

He then went home to take care of his parents until their passing. After which he moved to Michigan where he enjoyed taking care of the parks in downtown Grand Rapids.

Later he moved to Dowagiac where he enjoyed taking care of the flowers and landscaping at the Salmons VA Medical Foster Home, where he spent his last few years. He enjoyed making others laugh, always funny and willing to help. He enjoyed going to the COA in Cass “Where the people are lovely”!

What did he like more than chocolate? MORE CHOCOLATE! And his favorite color? Why purple of course!

Preceding him in death were his parents - Sheridan and Elizabeth; siblings - James, Thomas and twin sister, Geraldine.

Surviving are a brother - Lawrence and many nieces and nephews.

“Sparky” will be missed by many, especially his buddies - Stephen Pierce and Jerry Smedley and his caregivers, Cynthia Salmons, Robin Van Wormer and Debi Pattengale. R.I.P. Sparky

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday September 11, 2023 at Church of Christ, 58273 M-51 S, Dowagiac. Jerry will be laid to rest along side his mother in Hope Cemetery, Chippewa Falls, WI. Arrangements were entrusted to Clark Chapel – Starks Family Funeral Homes, 405 Center Street. Those wishing to leave a message of condolence for the family may do so at www.clarkch.com.

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