Jerald A. 'Jerry' Garlinger
Nashville

Jerald A. Garlinger passed away Monday morning June 29th, 2015 at home, surrounded by his family. He was born April 11, 1947 in Hastings to Philip L. and Phyllis J. (Long) Garlinger. Jerry graduated from Maple Valley High School and Western Michigan University with a degree in mechanical engineering. He joined the U.S. Navy in September of 1967 and served 4 years, with 2 combat tours in Vietnam. He married his high school sweetheart, Charlotte L. (Foote) in November of 1969, having met when she was 14 and he 16. They made their home in San Diego, California, Kalamazoo Michigan and Climax Michigan returning to the Nashville area in 1994 having purchased the original "Garlinger Homestead" established in 1859. Jerry worked for Kellogg Company for 27 years, retiring in 2001 to pursue his passion for farming. He was able to realize that dream of operating his own farm for 20 years before becoming ill. He is survived by his wife of almost 46 years, Charlotte and daughter Julia Drabik (her special friend Jon Griffin) son, Brian (Sabrina) Garlinger, grandchildren, Grady, Landen and Kaitlyn Garlinger, Jaden and Lauren Drabik. Sisters, Nancy (Hugh) Moore, Jenella (Dean) Smith, and Carole Garlinger. Mother in law Pat Kivela, and father in law Dale Foote Jr and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Jack, sister Janet Hansen and father in law Mel Kivela. He was a member of Leroy Congregational Church, Vermontville American Legion, Barry County Tractor Club and Kellogg's 25 year club. Jerry will live in our hearts as a shining example of what it means to be a husband, father, grandfather and friend. Well done, good and faithful servant.

The family will receive visitors on Monday July 6 from 4-8pm at Daniels Funeral Home in Nashville. A Celebration of Life will be held on July 7 at Vermontville Congregational Church at 11:00 am.

Luncheon to follow graveside service at Woodlawn Cemetery in Vermontville.

Memorial contributions can be made to Great Lake Caring Hospice or Leroy Congregational Church.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Daniels Funeral Home in Nashville. For further details please visit our website at www.danielsfuneralhome.net