Gerald R "Jerry" Hietikko

Gerald “Jerry” R. Hietikko, age 76, of Ft. Gratiot, passed on January 9, 2017 in Pensacola, FL after being hospitalized for a short time.

He was born April 1, 1940, in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, to the late Uuno and Elmi Hietikko. He married Donna Ann Piippo on February 3, 1962, in Sault Ste. Marie.

Jerry proudly served his country in the U.S. Army as a sharp shorter. He retired as an automotive parts manager, with 25 years at Volkswagen, had a home improvement business and worked at Birch Run’s Pine Ridge RV Park. He was fun loving, always smiling and enjoyed spending time with family and friends. He loved to camp, target shoot, hunt, fish, woodwork, garden and animals, especially his dogs. He was a member of the Blue Water Sportsman’s Club, National Wild Turkey Federation and Blue Water Sportfishing Association.

He survived by his wife, Donna; son, David Mark (Sandy) Hietikko; daughter, Kristen “Kris” (Chuck) Lashbrook II; his granddaughter, Tayler Carpenter; and several brothers- and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews and cousins. Preceded in death by his parents, Uuno and Elmi, and brother, Donald.

A private service by Rev. Kurt E. Lambart will be at a later date. Burial will be in Riverlawn Cemetery in Marysville, Michigan.

Local arrangements are by Pollock-Randall Funeral Home. To send condolences, visit pollockrandall.com