Gerald Maurice Phelps

Gerald “Gerry” Maurice Phelps, 82, of Union, Michigan, died on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, surrounded by his family at Elkhart General Hospital, Elkhart, Indiana.

Gerry was born on March 19, 1942, in Three Rivers, Michigan, a son of Maurice and Mary (Horner) Phelps.

Gerry was a 1961 graduate of White Pigeon High School and an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing, and mushroom hunting. He enjoyed spending time with his family and watching his children and grandchildren in their sports endeavors, as well as vacationing in northern Michigan.

On September 8, 1963, Gerry married his high school sweetheart, Susan E. Platz, at the White Pigeon United Methodist Church. Together, they had three children, Todd Phelps of Union; Chris (Candice) Phelps of Marcellus, MI; and Heather (Dan) Tobin of Battle Creek, MI.

Gerry retired in 2004 as a carpenter in the skilled trades at American Axle and Manufacturing in Three Rivers.

Surviving are his wife, Susan; his three children; grandchildren, Jordan (Todd) Vanwelsenaers of Sterling Heights, MI; Paige Tobin (Liam Lundy) of Chicago, IL; Riley (Dylan) Sandy of Centreville, MI; Claire Tobin of Battle Creek, MI; and Allison Rygg of Baroda, MI; two great-grandchildren, K’alyiah and Kingston; siblings, Gary Phelps of Marcellus and Mary Lou Krah of Phoenix, AZ; and several nieces and nephews. Gerry was preceded in death by his father, Maurice Phelps; mother, Mary Tiffany; a sister, Betty Larson; a niece, Michelle (Phelps) Felix; and his beloved dog, Hemi.

Per Gerry’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A family memorial service will be held at a later date. Elkhart Cremation Services has been entrusted with his care.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Leader Dogs for the Blind, P.O. Box 5000, Rochester, MI 48308-5000 or the National Wild Turkey Federation, 770 Augusta Road, Edgefield, SC 29824.

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