Jerald Zedaker "Jerry"

Jerald A. Zedaker beloved dad, papa and great-papa, passed away on Friday, May 17, 2024, at the age of 88 years.

Jerry was born April 8, 1936, in Buffalo, Ohio, son of the late Kenneth and Vera (Wilson) Zedaker. He lived in Michigan most of his life, both in the Saginaw and Bay City areas. He attended Arthur Hill Technical School in Saginaw and as a young man worked as a journeyman machinist for Baker Perkins in Saginaw. For most of his working years, Jerry was his own boss and owned several businesses including meat delivery, a party store and industrial machinery sales. This was a time in his life where he met many strangers who became friends. Jerry married Mary Awad on November 20, 1959. They met at her parents’ diner in downtown Saginaw. He loved to tell the story about how, when he asked if he could drive her home after work, she hopped in his car and told him to take a right at the next street. After three more rights they arrived back at the diner. When he looked at her puzzled, she laughed and told him she lived upstairs. Jerry and Mary not only laughed together, they danced together exceedingly well, and many enjoyed watching them step, swing and keep a lively beat at weddings and other special gatherings. They were married for 40 years prior to Mary’s passing in 2000. Jerry loved to travel and meet people. He enjoyed driving his blue 1947 Ford pickup, shooting pool, watching old western movies, bidding at a good auction and making people laugh with one of his corny sayings. His life was guided by his sense of humor and gentle way of teaching others that a positive attitude is the key to happiness. He loved his sons, grandsons and great-grandchildren deeply.

Jerry will be missed by many, especially his son and daughter-in-law, Kevin and Carol Zedaker of Hemlock; his grandsons and their spouses, Jared and Jenae Zedaker of Midland, Travis and Karly Zedaker of Midland, and Andrew and Nicole Farrand of Freeland; his great-grandchildren, Jolene Zedaker, June Zedaker, Jessie Zedaker, Tate Zedaker, Madelyn Farrand and James Farrand. Jerry is predeceased by his eldest son David A. Zedaker; brothers Carroll Zedaker and Jack D. Zedaker; and a sister Neva Buchler.

Private services have taken place with arrangements entrusted to W.L. Case and Company Funeral Directors.