Gerald Dunn Obituary

Gerald "Jerry" Ross Dunn, age 83, of Perry, Michigan, passed away peacefully on June 21, 2025,
surrounded by the love of his family. A memorial service to honor and celebrate his life will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, June 27, 2025 at Watkins Brothers Funeral Homes, 214 S. Main St., Perry, MI 48872. The family will receive friends from 11-1:00 PM at the funeral home in Perry.
Born on December 14, 1941, in Perry to Harold and Allene (Loomis) Dunn, Jer was deeply rooted in the
community he called home for a lifetime. In 1960, he proudly graduated from Perry Public Schools. He
was a standout multi-sport athlete, competing in basketball, baseball, football, and track. He went on to
attend Lansing Business University, where he studied accounting and continued playing basketball.
Jer met the love of his life, Susan "Sue" (Aldrich) Dunn, in 1966. They married in 1968 and built a life
centered on family, service, and small-town pride. From 1980 to 1985, Jer and Sue took on the task of
publishing the Shiawassee County Journal, a weekly local newspaper dedicated to covering community
news, school and sports highlights, and everyday life in the area. The Journal also gave local businesses
the opportunity to advertise their services, helping to support the printing and circulation of the paper.
Through this effort, Jer and Sue created a platform that celebrated the voices of Shiawassee County and
helped strengthen the connection between neighbors, schools, teams, and small businesses.
Alongside his dedication to family and community, Jer built a steady and meaningful career. He began at
Vandervort's Sporting Goods, where he packed athletic equipment for Olympic athletes, and in 1963,
joined the State News, working in advertisement layout. When Michigan State University brought the
paper to campus in 1975, Jer transitioned with it, supervising the composing room and playing a key role
in producing the campus publication. He retired in 1997 after a long and dedicated career.
Over the years, Jer became a familiar face in Perry and the surrounding communities. He played in the
Glenbrier Golf League for more than 35 years. With five children and many grandchildren active in local
sports and events, Jer could often be found at gyms, ball fields, auditoriums, and fundraisers across the
state. If there was a family event happening, Jer was likely there-quietly cheering from the stands or
catching up with someone he'd known for decades.
After retiring, he enjoyed spending winters in Florida and summers in Michigan, never straying far from
the people and places he loved most. He especially took pride in supporting his grandchildren, attending
as many games, matches, and milestones as possible. He never passed up the chance to challenge them
to a race or a game of basketball-and more often than not, he'd win. That playful competitiveness
became a beloved family tradition and a lasting reminder of the athlete he always was.
Jer's love of sports continued throughout his life. After Perry Ramblers athletics, his heart belonged to the
Michigan State Spartans, the Detroit Tigers, and the ever-hopeful Detroit Lions-teams he followed
faithfully, win or lose.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Susan "Sue" Dunn; his five children: Carrie Robbins, Holly
Wisniewski (Jeremy), Kelly Dick (Rob), Erin Wibert (Dave), and Tobin Dunn (Keely); his brothers: James
Dunn (Betty) and George Dunn (Bonnie); his many beloved grandchildren: Cassie Robbins, Madeline
Morris (Zach), Brendan Andrews, Halie Andrews, Amber Figueras, Justin Figueras, Katie Figueras, Dylan
Wibert, Hunter Wibert, Addison Wibert, Lilli Whittaker-Dunn, Marcial Hadley, Gannon Dunn, Kagan Dunn,
and Teagan Dunn, and by special family friends Kylie Blasen and Ryleigh Arndt.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Allene Dunn; his brothers, Douglas Dunn and
Richard Dunn (survived by Sue Dunn); and his granddaughter, Kristen Philiphich.
Jer's life was a quiet but powerful example of love, loyalty, and lasting legacy. His presence will be deeply
missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him.
Memorials are suggested to The Cure Alzheimer's Fund at curealz.org or to Perry Sports Boosters, 2775 W Britton Rd, Perry, MI 48872-9604.
Arrangements are entrusted to Watkins Brothers Funeral Homes, Perry Chapel where online condolences may be shared at www.watkinsfuneralhomes.com
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