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Jerry Calvin Metzger, age 80, of Sturgis, passed away on May 10, 2026 at Medilodge of Portage in Portage, Michigan.
He was born May 9, 1946 in Battle Creek, son of the late John and Beulah (Young) Metzger.
Jerry made his home in Sturgis until 1972 when he moved to Fayette, Ohio, where he was employed by the Walther Corporation. In 1980, he moved to Commerce, Texas, later settling in Garland, Texas, where he owned and operated a home improvement business until returning to Sturgis in 1986. He retired from Lakeland Paper Company in July of 2001.
On December 10, 1966, he married Nancy E. Dupras in the Davis Chapel of the First Baptist Church in Worcester, Massachusetts. She preceded him in death on July 28, 2011. On January 5, 2013, he married Judy Pagels Dudek at Trinity Lutheran Church in Sturgis.
Jerry was a proud graduate of Sturgis High School with the class of 1964. He was active in Boy Scouting and youth sports leagues and was known for his love of the outdoors. He enjoyed fishing, camping, hiking, and traveling. Retirement gave Jerry the opportunity to embrace life on the road as a full-time RV’er, creating many cherished memories while exploring the country. Together he and Judy loved playing golf, wintering in Florida, spending time with friends playing cards, marbles, and board games, and were always kept company by their cherished cat, Buddy, and beloved dog, Misty.
Jerry proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War from July 29, 1964 until July 31, 1966, aboard the USS Ingraham, earning the rank of Machinist’s Mate Fireman (E3). He also served an additional three years in the U.S. Navy Reserve. His dedication to his family, friends, and country will be remembered with great respect and gratitude.
He is survived by his wife, Judy Metzger of Sturgis; son, Jerry Craig (Rachel) Metzger of Sturgis; daughter, Lisa Metzger Pasquinelli of Troy; granddaughter, Hannah Pasquinelli; step-granddaughter, Olivia Pasquinelli; step-son, Richard (Nicole) Dudek of Sturgis; step-grandson, Wyatt Dudek; nephews, Richard (Debra) Singleton and Calvin Singleton, both of Sturgis; nieces, Jeannie Hagen of Burr Oak and Vicki Singleton of Sturgis; and many cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents; twin infant sons, John Charles and Jeffery Carl Metzger; sister, Lois Robinson; paternal grandparents, Harvey and Anna (McAuffie) Metzger; and maternal grandparents, Walter and Minnie Young.
In honoring Jerry’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A memorial graveside service and interment of the remains will be held 10:30 A.M., Saturday, August 15, 2026, at Pleasant Hill Cemetery, 886 Pleasant Hill Rd., Bronson, Michigan.
Full military honors will be conferred by Captain John J. Kelley Post #1355 VFW and the U.S. Navy Honor Guard.
The Hackman Family Funeral Homes of Sturgis is entrusted with the arrangements.
Memorial donations would be appreciated to the memorial tree program, which can be found on Jerry’s tribute page at Hackman Family Funeral Homes, where relatives and friends are encouraged to share memories and condolences.
