Jerome “Jerry” Kuhnlein, Sr.
January 3rd, 2022
Share Book of Memories with a Friend
Please enter the name and email details so that we can send your friend a link to the online tribute. No names or addresses will be collected by using this service.
Jerry's Obituary
Jerome L. “Jerry” Kuhnlein, Sr., of St. Joseph, Michigan passed away peacefully on Monday, January 3, 2022 surrounded by his loving family. Arrangements are entrusted to Starks & Menchinger Chapel & Cremation Services. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at a later date. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.
Jerry was born on July 6, 1932, in Detroit, Michigan to Frank & Evelyn (Petz) Kuhnlein. He graduated in 1950 from the former all boys St. Joseph High School in Detroit, where he played four varsity sports and was a star athlete. His senior year, his football team traveled across the state, and he had a standout performance in one of the first games ever played at Dickinson Stadium in St. Joseph. Little did he know that, nearly 50 years later, he would make that same trek across the state to enjoy his retirement years in the same city. In high school, Jerry proudly enlisted in the United States Navy Reserves, where he served for nine years. In 1955, he married the love of his life, Mary, and the two would spend 66 wonderful years together before his passing. Jerry often worked two or three jobs to put himself through school and, later, to support his family. His primary employment was working in the Trust Department at NBD Bank for over 40 years. Jerry was an active member of the Jaycee’s and also of Our Lady of Sorrows School Board. An accomplishment that meant a lot to him was being the second member in his family to receive the American Legion Award. Whenever baseball or football games were on TV, family members knew to not interrupt Jerry while he was cheering on his favorite teams. An avid golfer, bowler, and card player who was quick with a joke and a laugh, Jerry touched the hearts of everyone who had the good fortune to meet him.
Jerry is survived by his wife, Mary; children, Debbie (Bill) Schorger, Dr. Jerry (Colleen) Kuhnlein, Jeff (Jeannie) Kuhnlein, Greg (Theresa) Kuhnlein, Tim (Gail) Kuhnlein, and Mary Ann (David) Doyle; eighteen grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and sisters-in-law Marie Kuhnlein Gilbert and Jackie Kilcline. He was preceded in death by his parents; and siblings, Mary Rutt, Dan Kuhnlein, Frank “Bud” Kuhnlein, Mary Lou Henze, Marilyn Lee and Pete Kilcline. In lieu of flowers or donations, Jerry asks that you hug a loved one and tell them that you love them.
Jerry was born on July 6, 1932, in Detroit, Michigan to Frank & Evelyn (Petz) Kuhnlein. He graduated in 1950 from the former all boys St. Joseph High School in Detroit, where he played four varsity sports and was a star athlete. His senior year, his football team traveled across the state, and he had a standout performance in one of the first games ever played at Dickinson Stadium in St. Joseph. Little did he know that, nearly 50 years later, he would make that same trek across the state to enjoy his retirement years in the same city. In high school, Jerry proudly enlisted in the United States Navy Reserves, where he served for nine years. In 1955, he married the love of his life, Mary, and the two would spend 66 wonderful years together before his passing. Jerry often worked two or three jobs to put himself through school and, later, to support his family. His primary employment was working in the Trust Department at NBD Bank for over 40 years. Jerry was an active member of the Jaycee’s and also of Our Lady of Sorrows School Board. An accomplishment that meant a lot to him was being the second member in his family to receive the American Legion Award. Whenever baseball or football games were on TV, family members knew to not interrupt Jerry while he was cheering on his favorite teams. An avid golfer, bowler, and card player who was quick with a joke and a laugh, Jerry touched the hearts of everyone who had the good fortune to meet him.
Jerry is survived by his wife, Mary; children, Debbie (Bill) Schorger, Dr. Jerry (Colleen) Kuhnlein, Jeff (Jeannie) Kuhnlein, Greg (Theresa) Kuhnlein, Tim (Gail) Kuhnlein, and Mary Ann (David) Doyle; eighteen grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and sisters-in-law Marie Kuhnlein Gilbert and Jackie Kilcline. He was preceded in death by his parents; and siblings, Mary Rutt, Dan Kuhnlein, Frank “Bud” Kuhnlein, Mary Lou Henze, Marilyn Lee and Pete Kilcline. In lieu of flowers or donations, Jerry asks that you hug a loved one and tell them that you love them.
Service Details
View the current service details below. Sign up for email or text updates to receive notifications of any changes to service schedules or important information.