Gerald Corey

Gerald D. Corey, 89 of Rapid City, passed away Jan. 3, 2014, at Munson Medical Center, in Traverse City, on his wedding anniversary. He was born Nov. 4, 1924, in Newberry the son of Carl and Hazel (McCauley) Corey. Jerry was a graduate of Sault Ste. Marie High School before proudly serving in the US Navy during WWII. He was a member of the American Legion and a life time member of the Masons. Jerry joined the Michigan State Police in 1946 and retired after a fulfilling career in 1971. He returned to work for the State of Michigan in social services retiring for good in 1983. On Jan. 3, 1948, he married Alma Butler who preceded him in death on Feb. 17, 2007. She was his lifetime partner and he missed her every day. Jerry was an avid golfer who golfed every day; even in the snow! In 2011 he proudly shot a Hole in One. He always looked forward to deer hunting at the "shack" in Newberry with his family and friends. Jerry loved his Michigan sports teams and was a true fan. He will be missed by his daughter Pat (Ron) Sober, son Paul (Coleen) Corey, 3 grandsons R.D. (Amber) Sober, Corey (Colleen) Sober, Nick (Betsy) Corey, 6 great grandchildren Flynn, Jack, Cooper, Caleb, Owen, and Whitney Sober. He is also survived by his brother Frank Corey. He will also be missed by his Scottish terrier companion, Pepper #3. He was preceded in death by his sister Shirley Toland and brother Jack Corey. Funeral services will take place Tues. Jan. 7, 2014 at noon, at the First Presbyterian Church in Elk Rapids with Rev. Dr. Andrew Martinez officiating. The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until the time of service. Memorial contributions can be made to the First Presbyterian Church, 404 Spruce St., Elk Rapids, MI, 49629. Arrangements have been handled by the Bellaire Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Please sign his online guestbook www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com.