Jeryn (Jerry)
Michael Frederick died peacefully, surrounded by his family after a short, but
fierce battle with cancer in his home on June 11, 2020 in Coldwater, MI at the
age of 67.
Jerry is
survived by his wife, Carol; children, Eric (Dana) of Charlotte, MI and Evan
(Kate) of Coldwater, MI; siblings, Gail (Sam) of Osseo, MI, and Tom (Annette)
of Reading, MI); and his grandchildren, Henry, Violet, Elliott, and Alice. He
is preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Elizabeth, and brother,
Richard.
Jerry was born
on March 5, 1953 in Addison, MI to Richard and Elizabeth Frederick. He
graduated from Pittsford High School in 1971 and pursued a career in law
enforcement. He married Carol Dickey, his high school sweetheart in 1977. After
moving to Coldwater, the couple was blessed with two sons. Jerry was a family
man who gave and sacrificed without rest to ensure the happiness and success of
his family.
Jerry spent 43
years in law enforcement serving the people of Branch County. From criminal
apprehension and emergency medical service to the dive team, Jerry helped a
multitude of people in need and had a knack for befriending almost everyone he
came in contact with on the job, no matter the circumstance. Jerry also started
the Branch County Pistol League. While working for the Sheriff’s Department,
Jerry attended Western Michigan University and Michigan State University to
earn his bachelor’s and master’s degrees, respectively. He pioneered the
criminal justice program in 1996 at the Branch Area Careers Center and taught
at Kellogg Community College impacting the lives of more than 1,000 students. In
2011, Jerry was awarded Educator of the Year by the Branch County Chamber of
Commerce.
Jerry was
passionate about the outdoors. He chaperoned more than a dozen backpacking
trips for students in the Agri-Environmental Wilderness Expedition (AEWE)
program through the Branch Intermediate School District. These trips to wild
destinations across the country connected students to nature and provided
transformative experiences for all. Additionally, Jerry and Carol raised two
Eagle Scouts and volunteered their time to help dozens of others live the Scout
Oath. Later in life, Jerry and Carol caught the travel bug and escorted several
tours to historic destinations throughout the country.
Jerry was a
skilled and talented woodworker. He could never say no to helping someone with
a woodworking project or custom piece of furniture. His workshop was his happy
place, and his work resides in homes across the country. Jerry was also an
active member of the First Baptist Church of Coldwater.
Jerry was a
loving husband, an amazing father, and a devoted grandfather. He had so much to
share; his love for woodworking, his desire to travel, his passion for law
enforcement, and his kindness towards everyone. He was and will always be
remembered as a good man. Words cannot express how much he will be missed by
all that had the pleasure of calling him friend, Mr. Frederick, officer, Honey,
Brother, Dad, and Papa.
A memorial
service will be held at a later date to ensure the health and safety of all who
wish to participate. In life, Jerry was passionate about serving others and his
community. In lieu of flowers, Jerry’s family has established a memorial fund
in his honor to support projects, programs, and people that are making a
positive impact in the Branch County community. Contributions can be made to:
“Jeryn Frederick Memorial Fund,” c/o Frederick Family Dental, 323
West Chicago Street, Coldwater, MI, 49036 or online at:
https://frederickmemorialfund.com/
.
The family
would like to thank the many caregivers, friends, and community members for
their support during Jerry’s battle with cancer.
Funeral
Arrangements are entrusted to Dutcher Funeral Home in Coldwater.
