Jerry Dean Cole

Jerry Dean Cole, age 58, of Cross Village, died with  family  close  by  on  Saturday, September 30, 2017 at Hiland Cottage   in  Petoskey  after a

lengthy illness.

He was born August 23, 1959 in Rantoul, IL to Larry and Katherine (Keller) Cole. Jerry was a professional painter, working for many years in the Harbor Springs and Petoskey area. His favorite hobby was gardening and he eagerly shared his produce with all.  Jerry enjoyed hunting, especially bow hunting, and fishing. Other favorite pastimes were playing horseshoes or playing chess. He also enjoyed inventing, coming up with a good number of creative, useful items. He loved nature and enjoyed photographing it. He was known by his family and his many friends for his loving and generous heart.

Survivors include his mother, Kathy Mendoza of Harbor Springs, his father, Larry Cole and step-mother Martha of Grand Marsh, WI, his three children, Tara, Cheri, and Devon.  He also leaves behind five sisters: Linda Hoffman of Brutus, Lauri Burley of Carp Lake, Maria Mendoza of Cross Village, Angel (Britt) Giles of Levering, JoAnne (Scott) Riste of Saint Francis WI, one brother, Larry John Cole of St. Louis, his step-brother Rev. James Dyer of Grand Marsh, WI and nine grandchildren.

Preceding him in death were his step-father, Fidel Mendoza, his maternal aunt, Fran Samuels-Hepburn, six maternal uncles, Jack, Joe, Pete, Gordon, Tony and Ed Keller of Cross Village and one  paternal  aunt,  Joan Heimberger, of Gifford, IL.

A celebration of Jerrys life will be held on Saturday, October 7th at 3pm at the Center Twp Hall in Larks Lake.

Remembrances can be sent to the family c/o Kathy Mendoza, 309 W. Main St. #104, Harbor Springs, Ml 49740.

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