Gerald ‘Jerry’ and Tara (Javurek) Weaver

Gerald Joseph Weaver was born on October 17, 1975 in Grayling, the son of Daniel R. and Debra J. (McInnes) Weaver. He was raised in Graying and graduated from Grayling High School in 1994. He went on to attend Lake Superior State University, earning his associate’s degree.

Tara Sue Javurek was born on May 25, 1975 in Escanaba, the daughter of Stephen J. and Susan M. (Lynch) Javurek Sr. She was raised in Escanaba and graduated from Escanaba High School in 1993. She went on to attend Lake Superior State University, earning her bachelor’s degree.

Jerry and Tara were college sweethearts and were beloved members of the Theta Chi Rho family during their years at LSSU. Jerry helped organize fundraisers and rush events, while Tara was always volunteering her time to help plan formals and social gatherings for the group.

They married on July 11, 1998 at St. Anne’s Church in Escanaba. Their 24 years of marriage was built on great faith, and a deep love for God and each other. They created a beautiful family and their children were the focus of their lives. Jerry and Tara loved attending their children’s sporting events and various school activities, always cheering them on and encouraging them to do their best.

Jerry worked as an inspector for the State of Michigan FDA. He was known for being the tech support for his family and friends, and if something was broken, you could always count on Jerry to fix it. He was a genuinely kind and compassionate person, a true friend, and a mentor to many. You could always depend on Jerry to have your back, and he was there for anyone, anytime they were in need of a helping hand. He had a great love for the game of basketball, and also enjoyed wrestling, watching football, cooking, barbequing, and singing karaoke.

Tara was the Great Start director at the DSISD. She had a passion for Early Childhood and strongly believed in her community, devoting her time to making it the best place to raise children. She took great pride in volunteering for various organizations such as Pregnancy Services of Delta County, the U.P. Honor Flight, and Escanaba Rotary Club. Tara loved having her morning coffee while watching the sun rise and appreciated the incredible view from their home. She also enjoyed spending time at her parents’ cabin, snowshoeing, waterskiing, relaxing on the beach, traveling, shopping, and playing with her dog, Sadie.

Together they leave behind three children, Noah Joseph Weaver (Chloe Webber), Lukas Stephen Weaver, and Sophia Susanna Weaver, all of Escanaba; Jerry’s parents, Daniel and Debra Weaver of Grayling; Tara’s parents, Stephen and Susan Javurek Sr. of Escanaba; Jerry’s siblings, Daniel (Sasha) Weaver and Marcus Weaver, both of Grayling; Tara’s siblings, Stacy (Gerry) Wilson and Stephen (Brooke) Javurek Jr., both of Bark River; nieces and nephews, Alyza Weaver, Jacob (Sydney) Wilson, Charlie Wilson, Zoe Wilson, Nick Javurek, Josiah Javurek, and Faith Javurek; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

They were preceded in death by Jerry’s grandparents, Joseph and Peggy Forlini and Dohn and Esther Weaver; Tara’s grandparents, Charles and Delphine Javurek and Jack and Rosemary Lynch; and Jerry’s aunt, Mary Forlini.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 2 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Crawford Funeral Home, 302 S. 13th St., Escanaba. With the anticipated number of visitors that the family will be receiving, please be considerate of time when expressing your sympathy.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Friday, February 3 at 11 a.m. at St. Anne’s Church in Escanaba with Rev. Fran DeGroot officiating. Family and friends that are unable to attend can live-stream the service by visiting St. Anne’s Facebook page (St. Anne Faith Formation), https://www.facebook.com/stannefaithformation. A meal will follow in the parish hall.

Burial will take place in Holy Cross Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to the Weaver Family c/o First Bank, 2800 Ludington Street, Escanaba, MI 49829, and a memorial will be established for Jerry and Tara’s three children.

A message of condolence can be shared by visiting www.crawfordfuneralhomes.net.

The Crawford Funeral Homes are assisting the Weaver family.