Gerald John Hudson, 85 of Coldwater passed away at home following a courageous battle with cancer Friday, October 16, 2026. A devoted husband, father, ‘papa’, and friend, he will be dearly missed.
Friends and family may gather for visitation Friday, October 23, 2026 from 10:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m. at Dutcher Funeral Home in Coldwater.
Rosary will be recited at 11:30 a.m., with the memorial service beginning at 12:00 p.m. with Rev. Fr. James Adams presiding, all at the funeral home. Interment of ashes will follow the service at Oak Grove Cemetery in Coldwater.
Gerald, affectionately known as Jerry, was born December 8, 1940, the third child and second son of Stephen and Stephanie (Sobeske) Hudson in Coldwater. He attended St. Charles School and graduated with the Class of 1958. After graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, serving in Alaska until being honorably discharged in 1963.
A devout Catholic, Jerry regularly attended St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Coldwater until his health declined in his later years. Jerry worked for Federal Mogul and then for ATL Trucking before retiring from the Branch County Road Commission in 2003.
He embodied the spirit of perseverance in his work, taking pride in completing each task required of him. Jerry was affectionately known to his coworkers at the Road Commission as “Pipes’ due to always having a tobacco pipe in his mouth.
Jerry married Linda Sue Temples October 9, 1965, and together they had three daughters. In his free time, Jerry enjoyed raising his three daughters and playing with his grandchildren.
He was a prolific fisherman, basketball player, golfer, and bowler, winning numerous competitions throughout his life. He was also a steadfast Denver Broncos fan and was known to root for any Michigan sport team that happened to be playing. He was also a notorious card shark and pool player.
When not working, he could often be found at his family’s cottage on Rose Lake, enjoying spending time with his family, fishing, playing horseshoes and corn hole, enjoying a cold beer, and sharing stories of his youth to anyone who would listen.
Jerry leaves behind two daughters; Jennifer (Carl) Moore of Boyceville, Wisconsin and Andrea (Gene) Ritter of Dunkirk, Indiana; nine grandchildren – David Moore, Chancelir (Alexis) Murdock, Karen Moore, Zachary Murdock, Tyler Murdock, Jessiah Ritter, Haiven (Gavin) Burford, Kamerin Ritter, and Ilicia Ritter; three great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his wife of 55 years, Linda, as well as his parents, his daughter Amy Murdock, his brothers Richard Hudson and Larry Hudson, and his sister Margaret Davis.
Memorials may be directed to St. Charles Borromeo Catholic School or to St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church.
Jerry’s family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the Coldwater Cancer Center, especially Dr. Tim Cox, Nurses Amy & Lori, and all of the staff there for always giving him hope, and a special thank-you to Nurse Mary for always bringing a smile to his face with her love and kindness.
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