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Jerry David Master, 70, of Kalamazoo died January 24, 2021 after a long and brave battle with cancer. He passed away in his home with his loving wife, Kathy, by his side. Jerry was born on April 15, 1950 in Battle Creek to Jacob and Leona (Banks) Master. On August 6, 1992 he married the love of his life, Kathy Stephenson. They have lived in Kalamazoo for the past 21 years.  Jerry retired from Canadian National Railroad in 2010 and in 2015 Kathy joined him in retirement. They enjoyed taking road trips, especially to the lakeshore. Some of their happiest days were spent in Florida.  One of Jerry’s biggest joys was being with his grandkids. He loved taking them on their boat and watching them grow. He is preceded in death by his parents, Jacob and Leona. He is survived by his wife and stepchildren, Shannon McDonald, Travis Brigle, and Jessica (Charlie) Hainstock and his grandchildren Brendan and Briana McDonald and Amelia, Jerzy, and Larken Hainstock. He is also survived by his brother Jacob (Jane) Master. Plus friends and family. Jerry, a kind man with a great sense of humor, will be deeply missed by those who knew him. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. To send a message of sympathy to the family, sign Jerry’s online guest book, or to share a favorite memory, please visit:  www.MichiganCremation.com

Cremation arrangements were entrusted to Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 616-452-3006.

 

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17 Condolences

  1. Jeff Ware on February 11, 2021 at 11:21 am

    Hello Kathy,
    I’m very sorry to hear of your loss. I had been trying to locate Jerry since December last year. We were childhood friends until about 1967 when we drifted apart. Our parents stayed in contact thru Jake and Leonas passings. I have some pictures, ect…I would like to share with you and your children or Jake Jr. Please contact me at jwarendanort@gmail.com. I’m looking forward to hearing from you.
    Sincerely,
    Jeff Ware



  2. Deborah Cooper on February 23, 2021 at 4:25 pm

    Kathy, I am so sorry for you and your family’s loss. Jerry and I met at Joe Swelnis’s house in 1968 and were together for 13 years. My family also adored Jerry and my brothers send their condolences to you. My sister still considered Jerry family when she asked him to be a pallbearer at her funeral. Jerry and I basically grew up together from our latter teenage years through early adulthood. We went a lot of places, did a lot of things, and had a lot of fun. Jerry was a very good man. Kathy I’m so glad you two found each other for Jerry deserved the love and happiness it sounds like you two had. I hope he didn’t have to suffer much in his battle with cancer. Rest in peace Jerry.



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