Jerry Emley

August 27, 1941 ~ April 10, 2018

EMLEY - Jerry L. Emley, age 76, passed away Wednesday, April 11, 2018 at his home. He was preceded in death by his son, Jeffrey Emley; parents, Paul and Evelyn Emley; father-in-law, Wendell Sutter; brother, Jack Emley. Jerry is survived by his wife of 56 years, Judi Emley; daughter, Denise Hoffman; grandchildren, Dayne Hoffman and Drake (Elizabeth) Hoffman; brother, David (Carol) Emley; mother-in-law, Naomi Sutter-McNett; brother-in-law, Jerry (Linda) Sutter; several nieces and nephews. Jerry was born August 28, 1941 in Huntington, Indiana. He attended Huntington Catholic High School where he excelled athletically. On December 30, 1961, he married Judith Sutter. They had 2 children. Jerry retired from Continental Baking Company after 43 years of service. He maintained his love of athletics throughout his life as a fan of the Detroit teams and was a regular attendee at nearly every one of his grandchildren’s athletic events. He also enjoyed occasional fishing trips and cruising around in his Ford Thunderbird with the top down. Funeral Mass will be celebrated 2:00 PM Monday at St. Judes Catholic Church, 1120 4 Mile Road NE, Grand Rapids. His family will greet relatives and friends 3:00 to 5:00 PM Sunday at Stegenga Funeral Chapel, 1601 Post Drive NE, Belmont and one hour prior to Mass at the church. Prayers of the rosary will br recited 4:30 PM Sunday at the funeral chapel. To share a photo, memory and sign the family’s online guestbook please visit www.stegengafuneralchapel.com. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Jerry Lee Emley please visit our Sympathy Store.

Visitation

APR 15. 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM (EDT)

Stegenga Funeral Chapel - Belmont

1601 Post Dr. NE

Belmont, MI, 49306

[email protected]

https://www.stegengafuneralchapel.com

Rosary

APR 15. 4:30 PM (EDT)

Stegenga Funeral Chapel - Belmont

1601 Post Dr. NE

Belmont, MI, 49306

[email protected]

https://www.stegengafuneralchapel.com

Funeral Mass

APR 16. 2:00 PM (EDT)

St. Jude Catholic Church

1120 4 Mile Rd. NE

Grand Rapids, MI, 49525

Visitation

APR 16. 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM (EDT)

St. Jude Catholic Church

1120 4 Mile Rd. NE

Grand Rapids, MI, 49525

Leave Your Tribute Message

April 15, 2018 8:00pm

Judi, Denise and Family,  We offer our sincere condolences on the loss of Jerry. We will all miss him greatly. I spent many years working with him in various management capacities in the Detroit Wonder Hostess operation dating back to when he was a Sales Manager over the Marysville Branch in the 80's. He was so dedicated to everything he did. He had a great sense of humor and we always had a lot of fun even though we worked long hours. He was so proud of his family and I can remember many stories he would share on Monday morning about his grandsons and family that he cherished. He will be greatly missed but never forgotten. Our Thoughts and Prayers go out to all of you.  Dave and Patti Erno

- David Erno

April 13, 2018 8:00pm

Judi, we are so sorry to hear of Jerry's passing. He, Charlie Fox and I were the three Amigos at the old Detroit Hostess Bakery, we were all sales managers together working for Bob Heiss. We worked hard, laughed, argued and fought like brothers. Always loved Jerry's magic tricks. I remember once , when we had all received new company cars, Jerry got mad at me because I kicked his front tire and would not let me ride with him to lunch. lol. Also remember him spending ever weekend working for hours on his bakery black book and in the summer,  hours spent on his lawnmower, mowing that huge yard. I used to tease him, telling him he would be a lot better off spending that time spoiling you,his lovely wife.  He will be missed so much.  Marshall Gosser, Benton Ky.

- Marshall Gosser

April 12, 2018 8:00pm

Judi, Denise, Dayne and Drake,  Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of you during this time and the months to come. We are so very sorry to hear about Jerry’s passing and will miss him greatly. He was the best next door neighbor anyone could ask for… such a kind, caring, humorous man and always with a story that would have you laughing every time! He loved his family with a passion and we will never forget all the great times we had visiting with him over the years. I will always remember how good he was to our daughter growing up over the years. He truly was one of a kind and will always hold a special place in our hearts. God Bless all of you!

- Wendy Bitely and family

April 12, 2018 8:00pm

Jerry hired me in Flint in 1978. He was a great leader and mentor. His level of dedication and loyalty was unmatched in the baking industry. We were a tight knit group in that Flint agency on Carpenter road and will never forget our roots. I'll always be appreciative of Jerry's help along the way. We had a lot of good times over the years that won't be forgotten. Jerry was also very fortunate to have you as a wife Judi, and he knew it. Prayers to you and your family.  Stan Snyder

- Stan Snyder

April 12, 2018 8:00pm

My heart is broken. Jerry was like a brother to me. Jerry, Jack and David all were. Jerry was a kind man. My heart goes out to Judy, Denise, Dayne and Drake. Jerry loved them with all of his heart. Losing Jeff was so hard on all of them. May Jerry and Jeff rest in peace. Love Karen

- Karen Henry

April 12, 2018 8:00pm

Judi- my heartfelt sympathy to you, Denise, your grandsons and your entire family on the untimely loss of Jerry. May the Holy Spirit come and blow the dark clouds of grief away from time to time and replace them with laughter and fond memories of a husband, dad and grandfather who was well loved. Peace, Laurie Hilliker

- Laurie Hilliker

April 12, 2018 8:00pm

Jerry was my first boss at Wonder Bread in 1977. After I began my management career with the company, we then worked together in a number of capacities in both Michigan and Ohio. He was someone I could always count on to be there for me. Jerry, alongside my father-in-law, Wes Nutt, took good care of me. They trained me well and I took their great training and continued support throughout my 40 year career in the industry. Jerry never ran out of entertaining stories and was a great friend. I will remember him fondly. Rest in Peace until we meet again. Kevin Hilliker, Okemos

- Kevin Hilliker

April 12, 2018 8:00pm

Carolyn McManama and family purchased the Divine Peace Bouquet for the family of Jerry Lee Emley.

- Carolyn McManama and family

April 12, 2018 8:00pm

So sorry to hear of Jerry s passing I met Jerry in the old Detroit region Jerry Williams

- Jerry Williams

April 12, 2018 8:00pm

Judi,  I will always remember the Vegas trip with Everett and Sue! It was such a great time that will never be forgotten. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.  Dave Duncombe

- Dave Duncombe

April 12, 2018 8:00pm

Jerry was a hard working, dedicated and professional businessman. I am proud to have had the opportunity to work with and know Jerry for over 25 years at Wonder Bread and Hostess Cake. We had great times with customers on Mackinaw Island, the Showboat in Chesaning on the Shiawassee and all the many functions we attended together. Jerry will always have a special place in our hearts. Our condolences to Judy.  Bill and Mary Ellen Mackin

- William Mackin

April 12, 2018 8:00pm

Jerry hired me for my first full time job at CBC Wonder Bread back in 1979 and I will always be grateful for that. He was a good boss to work for and always had your back. He was proud to be a Hoosier and had many funny stories over the years about the "bread wars" at your local Supermarket.  He was a very good friend to my Father over the years through thick and thin. He will be remembered in our prayers. May eternal rest grant unto Jerry, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him.  Jeffrey Nutt and family.

- Jeffrey Nutt

April 12, 2018 8:00pm

Andy,Valerie; Kim,Paul; Kevin,Sara purchased the Simply Elegant Spathiphyllum for the family of Jerry Lee Emley.

- Andy,Valerie; Kim,Paul; Kevin,Sara

April 12, 2018 8:00pm

Naomi Sutter-McNett and Jerry and Linda Sutter purchased the Magnificent Life Spray for the family of Jerry Lee Emley.

- Naomi Sutter-McNett and Jerry and Linda Sutter

April 11, 2018 8:00pm

Vivid Recollections was purchased for the family of Jerry Lee Emley.

- Vivid Recollections




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