Gerald Francis Morrissey

Gerald (Jerry) Morrissey, age 68, a resident of Kalamazoo since 1994 and originally from West Chicago, Illinois passed away Sunday, August 25, 2024 at Bronson Methodist Hospital after a lengthy illness. He was born on July 28, 1956 in Dixon, Illinois.

Jerry is survived by his caring wife, Trudy (nee Schlachter) and his son, Timothy (Kate Archibald) of Omaha, NE; his brothers, Dave (Robin), Bernie (Rhonda), and Randy (Debbie); his brother-in-law, Phil (Karen) Schlachter; his late father-in-law’s second wife, Beverley Brown Schlachter; his step sisters-in-law, Pam (Rich) Palmer and Paige O’Mara; his nieces and nephews, Adam, Nicole, Megan, Greg, Ashley, Brittani, Lauren, Ryan, Caitlin, Kristen Cook, and Karey Klemm; great-nieces and nephews, Austin, Austin, Logan, Avereigh, Caden, Tate, Kinley, Ezra, and Kylie. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Doris Morrissey, and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Roy and Esther Schlachter.

Jerry grew up in West Chicago, Illinois and graduated from high school in 1974. He graduated from Bradley University in Peoria, IL with a BS degree in Accounting in 1978. During his career, he attended DeVry Institute of Technology and earned a Masters of Project Management degree. His career included working for Alberto-Culver in suburban Chicago. After a few years, he moved to All Steel Corporation. He was promoted and transferred to their Hazleton, PA location taking increasingly challenging positions. In 1994 he went to work for Borroughs Corporation in Kalamazoo, MI and eventually met Trudy while working there. They were married in 1997 and lived happily together until his passing.

Jerry and Trudy retired in 2006 and pursued many interests. He helped build and repair homes with Habitat for Humanity for many years. He also co-taught an automobile restoration/mentoring high school class at the Gilmore Car Museum. He was the curator for the Model A Ford Museum at the Gilmore Museum and had a passion for the cars and the people who had them. He got involved with Model A Fords in 1987 when his father retired and he, his brothers and mother gave him a Model A Ford. Jerry purchased one for himself shortly thereafter and a lifelong hobby was started. While living in Illinois, he was an active member of the Naper A’s. Soon after moving to Kalamazoo, Jerry joined the Grape County Model A Club. He was elected president of the club shortly thereafter. His enthusiasm for the Model A was very apparent. He enjoyed conducting workshops and technical seminars. The camaraderie that was formed among the car people was heartfelt. He will be inducted into the Model A Hall of Fame, at Gilmores, in September. Jerry built and restored multiple cars over the years and was always willing to help an old or new friend with their automobile projects. He was also an avid golfer and played weekly on rotating courses with as many as 20 golfers in his group. Jerry is remembered dearly by his family and friends for his positive outlook and his genuine love for helping others.

Visitation will be held Friday, September 6, 2024 from 4-7:00pm at Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial and Cremation Services, 3926 S 9th St, Kalamazoo, MI 49009.

For those who would like to leave a lasting tribute to Jerry’s life, memorial donations may be directed to: The Model A Ford Foundation Inc. https://www.maffi.org/WSContent/Donation.html

To share a memory or leave a condolence for the family visit https://www.langelands.com.