Jerold Z. "Jerry" Cooley's Obituary
Jerold Z. "Jerry" Cooley, age 98, of St. Clair Twp., passed away peacefully with his family by his side. He was born February 21, 1925 in Bay City to the late Ira and Edna Cooley. He proudly served with U.S. Army Air Corp. during World War II. He married Joyce Westrick on July 24, 1948 in St. Clair.
Jerry worked as a mechanic and parts manager for multiple GM car dealerships. He enjoyed working on model airplanes, golfing and continued to bowl up until 5 years ago. Most of all he enjoyed telling tall tales to his grandkids and great-grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife of 75 years; Joyce Cooley, his children; Diane Liebetreu and Richard (Wanda) Cooley. He is also survived by his grandchildren; Mike (Sue) Liebetreu, Jamie (Matt) Mackley, John (Meagan) Liebetreu, Angela Cooley-Hill, and Robert (Trina) Cooley, his great-grandchildren; Katelyn (Andrew), Mitchell, Emily, Joshua, Wyatt, Andrew, Maxwell, and Scarlett and great-great-granddaughter; Layla, his brother; Jack W. (Ann) Lown, sister; Ann Kruse, along with many brother and sister in-laws and many, many nieces and nephews and special care giver; Becca Wilkins.
He was preceded in death by his son in-law; Jim Liebetreu, brothers; Robert, George, and Ira Cooley, his sister; Enid Rehahn and foster brother; John Osborn.
Funeral service and military honors will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 5 at Young Funeral Home, China Twp. Visiting hours will be 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. prior to the service.
Inurnment will take place at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 10 at St. Mary's Cemetery, St. Clair.
Memorials are suggested to the St. Clair County Allied Veterans.
What’s your fondest memory of Jerold?
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Share a story where Jerold's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Jerold you’ll never forget.
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