Obituary: Gerald George Syer

Gerald George Syer
Sept. 8, 1933~Oct. 2, 2008
Our dad, Gerald George Syer, went to be with our mom in Heaven on Oct. 2, 2008. He died of complications from Alzheimer’s. He was 75 years old.
Gerry was born on Sept. 8, 1933, in Stockbridge, Mich., to Charles and Florence (Dulz) Syer. Growing up in Michigan, he had an appreciation and love for the outdoors, where he learned to hunt and fish at an early age.
He was a sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corp during the Korean conflict. He was proud of the six years that he served our country as a Marine.
Gerry married the love of his life, Eleanor Mary Delrue on Sept. 9, 1962. Together, they raised their six children; Linda, Mike, Julie, Kevin, Kim and Kelly. Gerry worked for Sealtest Dairy with dreams of owning his own business one day. With hard work and determination, Gerry and Eleanor did build many successful businesses over the years. They owned the G. Syer and Son Tree and Stump Removal business along with a True Value Hardware Store, Tasty Freeze, and car wash in New Boston, Mich.
In 1978, they moved to Meeker, Colo., where they owned and operated the Rim Rock Campground. Upon retirement in 1993, they moved to the Grand Junction area where they owned a plum orchard and a tree and stump removal business.
Gerry had a motto that he lived by, “Treat others as you would like to be treated.” He was always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need. He was known for his kind heart, great stories, wonderful sense of humor and his teasing ways. He had a special talent of making friends everywhere he went.
He loved spending time with his family. He was an amazing dad and grandpa. He was always there to give his support and encouragement. Dad was never one to sit still for long as he always had a woodworking project or business venture he was working on. Before he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 1997, he loved snowmobiling, snowshoeing, writing poetry, playing cards and pool, fishing and hunting.
Gerry belonged to the Sportsmen’s Club in New Boston, Mich. He was a life member of the VFW. He was involved with many clubs and organizations through the years.
At the time of his death, he resided at La Villa Grande Care Center. He enjoyed receiving cards and visits from family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Eleanor, his parents and siblings; Patricia, Julius and Al.
He is survived by their children: Linda (Jerome) Bruck, Mike (Becky) LaVoy, Julie (Bob) Sowry, Kevin (Renee) Syer; all of Michigan; Kim (Joe) Dungan of Meeker and Kelly (Ted) Bina of Rifle. He will be deeply missed by his grandchildren; Laurie, Larry, Steve, Heath, Landon, Jeremy, Mackenzie and Tristin. His great grandchildren include: Kaytlen, Andrew, Sydney, Jayden, and “Baby Bruck” due in November.
Graveside services were held at the New Elmwood Cemetary in Fruita on Monday Oct. 6, 2008. In leiu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 2232 N. 7th St. Suite B, Grand Junction, Colo., 81501 or Hospice Palliative Care of Western Colorado, 2754 Compass Dr. Suite 377, Grand Junction, Colo., 81506.
Arrangements are under the caring direction of Callahan-Edfast Mortuary.