Jerry Lee Latimer

Jerry Lee Latimer, age 75, of Grand Rapids, passed away on Saturday, April 27, 2024, surrounded by the love of his family. Jer was better known as Dad, Papa, Grampy, and Big Jer to those lucky enough to know him and love him. He was the boss everywhere, but at home, working in manufacturing at GM/ Lear, until retirement. He spent many decades golfing every Sunday with his partner Jeff Tuttle, and Rog Parker, Dann Sullivan, but made sure to fit in rounds with his son Chad and other friends. Weekly visits to his friends at Vinny’s and Eastern Avenue Hall also became routine, even as his affinity for a cold brew wore off, his love for friends and storytelling remained constant. However, family was always the priority of his life. With thanks to his therapist turned friend and greatest motivator, Kelly, Jer turned into a gym rat who could be found at Planet Fitness 3-4 times per week, so that Grampy could study his grandkids schedules to make it to as many of their games as possible. Let us not forget Sunday dinners which brought the family together, despite all else.

He will be greatly missed by and remembered by those surviving him, including: his wife Valerie (DeVoogd) Latimer; his children, Jodi (Lonnie) Harley, Chad (Miranda) Latimer, Lori (Patrick) Ambrose, and Lindsay (Aaron) Latimer; his grandchildren, Payton and Alanna Harley; Braden, Brody, and Bentley Latimer; Taylor, Quinn, and Beckett Ambrose; McKenzie, Brooklyn, and Holden DeVries; great grandchild, PJ Harley; his brother’s wife, Barb (Tim) Latimer. He was preceded in death, and joined his parents, Charles & Evelyn Latimer; his brothers, Steve and Tim Latimer; his grandson, Justin Kaczmarczyk; and special friend, Jim Heeringa.

Please join family in celebrating his life. Relatives and friends may meet the family on Monday, May 6, from 6-8 p.m. and one hour prior to service on Tuesday, from 10-11 a.m., with the funeral service at 11 a.m. at MKD Stegenga Funeral Chapel, 1601 Post Drive NE, Belmont, MI, with a luncheon immediately following. A private family burial will be held at Blythefield Memory Gardens. Those who wish, may make memorial contributions to the Grand Rapids Historical Society.