Gerald H "Jerry" Niester

Gerald Henry “Jerry” Niester, 81, of Port Huron and Atlantis, Florida, died unexpectedly Friday, January 8, 2016.

He was born January 21, 1934 in East Detroit to the late Henry and Dora Niester. He married Beverly Purcell on May 12, 1955 in East Detroit. She died November 19, 2009.

Jerry served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War then became a sheriff for Macomb County. He later owned and operated Sugarbush Ranch in Chesterfield Township until he sold it in 1977. He was President of Harper Steel in Warren until his retirement.

Jerry was an avid golfer, belonging to numerous clubs including Verona Hills, Moravian Hills and Atlantis. He celebrated 8 holes-in-one. He was a member of St. Edward’s on the Lake and Holy Spirit Church.

Jerry was a true people person. He always wanted to be surrounded by friends and family. No one remained a stranger long.

Beloved father of Donna Niester (Brian Harris), Sherrie Lyn (Kevin) Sheehan and Gerald (Lisa) Niester II; cherished grandfather of six grandchildren, Nicholas, Rebecca and Timothy Sheehan, Katelynn & Amanda Niester and Gerald Niester III; and dear uncle of several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a brother, Kenneth Niester.

Visitation will be 2-9 p.m. Friday in the Marysville Funeral Home, 1200 Michigan Avenue, Marysville. A Rosary will be recited at 8 p.m.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, January 23, 2016 at St. Stephen Catholic Church, 325 32nd Street, Port Huron with visitation beginning at 10:30 a.m. Reverend Simeon Iber will officiate. Military honors will be conducted under the auspices of the U.S. Navy.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 30, 2016 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Lantana, Florida.

Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider the Niester Family Fund of the Community Foundation of St. Clair County or St. Edward’s on the Lake.