Gerald "Jerry" G. Gage

Gerald “Jerry” Guy Gage, a humble marine and our beloved father, “Papa”, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully at the age of 82 in the early morning hours on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, surrounded by “his girls” and his faithful four-legged companions.

He was born in Harbor Springs, MI, to Alice Whittaker and Guy Gage. He graduated from Harbor Springs High School in 1962 and joined the United States Marine Corp shortly after graduation. He proudly served his country in the Vietnam War and was assigned to the Mike Company 3rd Battalion 1st Marines. Corporal Gerald Gage was wounded in combat in 1966 and discharged in 1967 after the injuries he received. He received a Bronze Star Medal Combat V, Purple Heart, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Presidential Unit Citation Ribbon, Navy/USCG Unit Commendation Ribbon, Combat Action Ribbon, Vietnam Campaign Medal w/1960 Device, Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation, and Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation. Being a Marine largely shaped the person he became and the values he upheld. He was a selfless, humble, and kind, but tough man. Jerry saw the best in everyone no matter what circumstances. After his service in the Marines, Jerry went on to work at Northern Michigan Hospital for 42 years where he accumulated many more friends until his retirement in 2010.

On June 27, 1970, Jerry married Betty Mae Newson, and they went on to raise their family in Harbor Springs and shared 47 years of marriage.

If you ask us, his family, he was our hero and our biggest fan. He was always standing behind and supporting every one of us. He never passed a moment to tell us all how proud he was of our accomplishments. Over the years he could be found at numerous high school sporting events or little league games supporting his grandkids or just for his love of the game.

Jerry loved the Lord and found peace in going on leisurely drives singing to his favorite country gospel and hymns. He had been active in Stutsmanville Chapel and Harbor Light Community Church, serving as an elder at both.

He is survived by his children, Rusty (Dora) Gage, Shelly (Tom) Dale, and Lexie (Gordie Buynak) Rautio; his grandchildren, Jennie Campbell, Daniel, and Sam Gage; Cassie, Zach, Josh, and Nathan Bellmer;  Emily, Ashley, Nik, and Molly Rautio;  his great-grandchildren, Tyler, McKenzee, Owen, Makenley, Scarlett, Oliver, Ada, Madison, Archie, Kaylynn, Nevaeh, Mateo, Noah, and Adonis; and by his brother Mark Brown. Jerry is preceded in death by his parents, his sister Jackie Backus, a granddaughter Alice Rautio, and his wife Betty.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jerry’s name to the Little Traverse Bay Humane Society.

In honor of Jerry’s wishes, his family is holding a BBQ at the home he and Betty created at 8417 Mink Rd, Harbor Springs on Sunday September 7th from 1-3pm.