WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Jay Melvin Woehrmyer, age 68, of Three Rivers, passed away Sunday, February 14, 2021 at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo.
He was born March 2, 1952 in Coldwater, Ohio, the son of Melvin and Vera (Puthoff) Woehrmyer.
In the 1980s, food industry management brought Jay to Michigan. He was the regional director for Wendy’s in southwestern Michigan, owned Carter’s Corner Store for 15 years, and owned Frankie’s by the Tracks for 15 years. After retirement, he worked for the St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department.
In 1986, he married Debbie Arevalo. After raising their four daughters, they created The Woehrmyer Homestead on two little acres, where they hosted Wild Woehrmyer Weekends with their children, grandchildren, and Mark Lillywhite. They enjoyed nothing more than spending time and laughing with their family. With strong faith the couple attended Center Park United Methodist Church.
Jay was known for his infectious laughter, contagious smile, and a kind heart. He enjoyed making people laugh with his infamous pranks. He also enjoyed beating people at cards and golfing. With Debbie, he worked on many house projects at the homestead, transforming the house into their forever home. Family meant everything to Jay.
Remaining to cherish his memory are his wife, Debbie; daughters, Jodi (Greg) Musser, Angela (Eddie) Gaines, Nicole (Michael) Oswald and Jessica (Charles) Morin; grandchildren, Brooke, Christian, Mackenzi (Taylor), Hunter, Brady, Declan, Colin, Brayden, Grace, Gwen, Bronson, Vera, Jay, and Mya; great-grandchild, Raegen; sister, Judith (Larry Baker) Heitkamp, sister, Dianne (Ned) Sielschott, brother, Ken (Debbie) Woehrmyer, sister, Sue (Jim) Christian and brother, Bill (Donna) Woehrmyer. Surviving in-laws include James and Betty Arevalo and numerous loved nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Melvin and Vera Woehrmyer and brother-in-law, Larry Heitkamp.
Visitation will be held Thursday, February 18, 2021 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Hohner Funeral Home, 1004 Arnold St., Three Rivers. A time of reflection on Jay’s life will follow at 7:00 p.m. with Pastor Derl Keefer officiating.
A private viewing will be held at Hogenkamp Funeral Home in Minster, Ohio on Saturday, February 20, 2021. A mass will follow at St. Augustine Catholic Church; interment will be in St. Augustine Cemetery.
Donations in Jay’s memory may be directed to the family c/o Debbie Woehrmyer. Envelopes are available at Hohner Funeral Home and may be sent to the funeral home in care of Jay’s arrangements.
