Gerald Lee Ensley , November 11, 1929 — March 16, 2019

Gerald ‘Jerry’ Lee Ensley, age 89 of Grand Rapids died March 16, 2019 after a short illness. He was born on Nov. 11,1929 in Grand Rapids, MI.

He grew up on a farm near Sand Lake, MI. , and graduated from Sand Lake High School in 1948. He enlisted in the Air Force for 4 years after graduation and was eventually stationed in Spokane, WA where he worked as an aircraft mechanic during the first half of the Korean War.

Having met the love of his life in high school, he married Joan Woodman, also of Sand Lake, on Feb 24, 1951 in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. After retiring in 1992 from Citizens Insurance where he worked as an insurance adjuster, Jerry and Joan traveled the country in their RV, eventually visiting all of the lower 48 states, as well as spending many winters in Florida. Jerry liked to fish, but once October arrived, he and a son-in-law spent the next 2 months chasing after deer.

Jerry was good with a rifle and most deer seasons were successful. There are many humorous stories of their time spent in the deer blind together. He was a long time member of Aldersgate United Methodist Church and served on several church boards and participated in many work projects, including 6 trips as a volunteer to Redbird Mission in Kentucky.

Jerry was very mechanically-inclined, could fix anything, and was always ready to help his family and friends with troubleshooting or repairs. He and his beloved wife Joan lived in the same house for over 50 years and the immaculate condition of his home and yard were indicative of his skills and the self-satisfaction he derived from maintaining it. He impressed all who knew him by easily replacing all the windows of their home at the age of 83.

He was greatly loved and respected by his family and friends and will be sorely missed. Survived by wife Joan, daughter and son-in-law Rose and Curt Renshaw, son-in-law Jim Gebben, sister-in-law Evelyn (Jim) Coady and many nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by Daughter Maureen Gebben.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday March 23 at 11 am at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 4301 Ambrose Ave, Grand Rapids, MI. Visitation will be held from 10 am until the time of the service.

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