Obituary: Gerald A. Ahonen

As received from Memorial Chapel Funeral and Cremation Service:

Gerald “Jerry” Ahonen, 82, of Hancock, Michigan, passed away on September 30, 2023 after a very long battle with dementia. He was a resident at Canal View in Hancock for several years. He was born on May 9, 1941, in Highland Park, Michigan, to Albert and Elsie Ahonen and was their first-born.

Gerald Albert Ahonen, also known as Jerry, was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He enjoyed his family, the outdoors, traveling, fishing, and hunting. Jerry was proud of his service to the country as a veteran of the US Navy, where he served on the USS Independence during the Cuban Missile Crisis.

Jerry is survived by his beloved wife Elizabeth (Maki) Ahonen; his children: Andrea (Michael) Rezabek, Annette Ahonen, Andrew (Kathy) Ahonen, and Alison (James) West; his siblings: Judith (John) Georgic, James (Sheryll) Ahonen, Jeanne Randazzo, and Jay (Marie) Ahonen; his grandchildren: Jason (Margaret) Cox, Nicholas LaLonde, Tamara LaLonde, Amanda Jagh, Sarah Jagh, Nathan Jagh, Natalie & Lucas Ahonen; his great-grandchildren: Peyton Kloc, Emma Disney, Declan Disney, and Denver Cox; his brother-in-law Edward Maki and sister-in-law Eva (Bill) Bayles, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Jerry was preceded in death by his grandparents Antti and Ida (Kangas) Ahonen, and Helmuth and Lillie (Kratt) Steinhilb; his parents Albert and Elsie (Steinhilb) Ahonen; his baby brother Jeffrey Ahonen; his daughter Amy Ahonen; his sister-in-laws Esther Rhodes and Edith Maki; his brother-in-law Vince Randazzo; his nephew Colton Ahonen, and numerous aunts and uncles.

Jerry grew up in Dearborn, Michigan and attended Edsel Ford High School, graduating in 1959. After completing his education, he served in the US Navy for 2 years.

Jerry was a member of the Carpenter’s Union for over 50 years.  During his career, he worked on numerous sites and projects throughout the metro Detroit area.

Jerry was a member of the Old Apostolic Lutheran Church and enjoyed attending meetings and Sunday services when he was able.

In his free time, Jerry enjoyed his family, fishing and hunting, and pursuing his passion for the outdoors – whether it was in the woods, on a beach, on a boat or sightseeing.  He especially enjoyed a few trips to Yellowstone National Park in his lifetime.

The Memorial Chapel in Hancock, Michigan, is honored to be assisting the family with the funeral arrangements.

Please join us in celebrating the life of Jerry Ahonen and remembering the love, joy, and memories he shared with all of us. 

Visitation will take place at Memorial Chapel in Hancock, MI, on Friday, October 6, 2023, from 5 – 7pm. The Funeral Service will be held at the Memorial Chapel on Saturday, October 7, 2023, at 11am, following a morning visitation starting at 10am. Burial will take place at Jacobsville Cemetery on Saturday, October 7, 2023, at 1:30pm, followed by a luncheon at the Jacobsville Community Center.

To view Jerry’s obituary or to send condolences to the family please visit www.memorialchapel.net.