Gerald “Jerry” VanHouten Jr.

He was born May 2, 1963, the son of the Phoebe Jane Vaow and father, Jerry VanHouten Sr. Brother of the late Von (Dozer) VanHouten and a surviving sister, Mary Ruth VanHouten-Malliard. Husband and partner of 32 years to Alicia L. Robbins. Father of two cherished sons: Michael Ray (Jess) Robbins and Joshua Lee VanHouten; and grandfather of Aiden Robbins

Jerry’s word: I’m gone. Not the way I wanted, but what can I do? I don’t want you to be sad, remember me by the good times and laughs we had. I don’t have regrets. I have had a blast in my life and have had many special friends and people in my life to make it better. I thank God for meeting Alicia, who has kept me on the straight and narrow and has taught me to live, laugh and love. God bless the Rev. Jim Bailey and wife, Linda. I know you tried and it really mattered. I have had many jobs from landscaping to the welding and fab shop at Genco Machine. I really enjoyed learning them all and doing them all. My cousins in Pennsylvania, which are too many to name, hold a special place in my heart and always put a smile on my face. I loved to walk in the woods hunting, camping, canoeing exploring state parks and being with nature and animals.

I wish I could see the people in my life and tell them it’s alright. I’m at peace. So drink that beer, pound that shot smile! See you on the other side. Bye.