Gerald ‘Jerry’ H. Brown

Jerry was born January 14, 1938, in Detroit Michigan, the son of Howard and Mary (Solarski) Brown. Jerry was raised in Detroit where he graduated from John J. Pershing High School. He later went on to college at Macomb Community College and Wayne State University. While at Wayne State, Jerry played basketball until he enlisted into the United States Army until he was honorably discharged.

On April 23, 1960, Jerry married the love of his life, Joanne Catherine (Barry) Brown. Together, they shared 60 memorable years. Jerry was a decorated police officer, serving for the Detroit Police Department for five years, before serving for 25 years at the Warren Police Department, from which he retired. Jerry was an avid reader, enjoyed old movies and loved doing a good crossword puzzle. His love of music was a constant staple in his life – Jazz, Big Band and of course Motown. When the occasion presented itself, he relished dancing with his dear wife. Jerry was fond of traveling around the state exploring the rural areas with Joanne and family. In retirement he enjoyed puttering about their yard and doing home projects / honey-do-list – what he would not do for Joanne. He was born with a hard work ethic, a strong sense of right and wrong and devotion to family. Jerry may have not shown it but had a deep faith in Christ that was introduced by his mother and continued to be reaffirmed by his wife.

Jerry is survived by his loving wife, Joanne Brown; sons, Mark (Lori) Brown of Minnetonka, Minn., and David (Linda) Brown of Cumming, Ga.; daughters, Melissa Brown and Kristyn Brown both of Gladstone, Karen Kluck of Sterling Heights, and Nicole Brown of Clinton Township; brother, Patrick (Andee) Brown of Huntington Woods; sisters, Dorothy Deschaine of Sterling Heights, Rosemary (Robert) Hardesty of Gautier, MS, and Margaret Janiszewski of Centerline, Mich.. Jerry is also survived by 12 grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Jerry’s family will receive friends on Friday, October 16, from 2 to 3 p.m. at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. The Gladstone American Legion will present military honors following visiting hours, with funeral services to follow at 3:15 with Rev. Fr. Jamie Ziminski. Jerry will be laid to rest in Fernwood Cemetery in Gladstone. The wearing of an appropriate mask and social distancing practices is appreciated.

For those who wish to attend virtually, please visit https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82024544072. To leave the family a message of condolence, please visit www.skradskifuneralhomes.com. The Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting the Brown family.