Gerald “Jerry: Adamczyk, 92, of Ludington

June 9, 2024

Jerry Adamczyk

Gerald “Jerry” Roger Adamczyk, 92, of Ludington, passed away peacefully June 7, 2024, at Trinity Health Shelby Hospital. He was born November 1, 1931, in Muskegon, the son of Carl and Elizabeth (Przybylski) Adamczyk.

Jerry graduated from St. Simon High School with the Class of 1949. He later joined the United States Air Force where he proudly served his country from 1952-1956.

Jerry worked as an electrician at Harbison Walker Refractories for 40 years until his retirement in 2000. During which time he also served as union president for many years. While at Harbison Walker, Jerry met the love of his life, Gaye Marie Sullivan and they were married May 20, 1961, at St. Simon Catholic Church in Ludington.

Jerry’s Catholic faith provided him with the guiding principles and foundation for everything he did in life. He served as an extraordinary minister of Holy Communion and lector at Mass. He was a member of the Ludington Knights of Columbus and participated in their annual Tootsie Roll drive for many years. Jerry also went on several church mission trips.

Jerry took pride in taking care of the home that he built where he and Gaye raised their family. Family was everything to Jerry and he really enjoyed backyard picnics and swimming gatherings, weekly Sunday evening dominos with friends and teaching his children and grandsons. Among the many things he taught them were auto repairs, home repairs, many other life skills and the importance of having determination. He always did this with the utmost patience and love.

A man of many talents, Jerry enjoyed several activities including traveling with Gaye, playing golf, bowling, swimming, hunting, snowmobiling, and meeting new people wherever he went. Air shows and museums were a common destination with family.

His greatest joy and the highlight of his life was his three grandsons and his great-grandson; nothing made him happier than seeing them, spending time with them or receiving a phone call from them!

Jerry is survived by: his daughter, Maria (Dan Chapel) Pleiness; son, Stephen (Anne) Adamczyk; his grandsons, Keane (Amy) Adamczyk, Jacob (Shelby Meekhof) Pleiness, and Nathaniel Pleiness; great-grandson, Nash Pleiness; sister, Christine Adamczyk; several cousins, nieces, nephews; and many dear friends including his lifelong childhood friend, Leon Sniegowski.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Gaye Adamczyk; son, David Adamczyk; sisters, Marge Zahorik, Patricia Petersen; brother, James Adamczyk; brothers-in-law, Don Petersen, Russell Zahorik; sister-in-law, Shirley Adamczyk; aunts; uncles; and cousins.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:30 a.m., Friday, June 14, 2024, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 85 South Madison Avenue, Custer with Father Dan DePew presiding. Interment will follow in the Pere Marquette Catholic Cemetery in Pere Marquette Township. Visitation will be held at the church from 10:30 a.m. until time of Mass.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Oceana County Medical Care Facility’s activities department, 701 E. Main Street, Hart MI 49420.

Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, King-Hart Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.