Jerry Clark Strejc

 Jerry Clark Strejc, 82, of Cadillac, Michigan passed peacefully in his sleep on Saturday, September 6, 2025, after an extended struggle with dementia and cancer. 

 Jerry was born in Coloma, Michigan on June 29, 1943, the son of Edward and Iona (Clark) Strejc.  

 He married Mary Sue Bender on February 26, 1965. Mary Sue preceded Jerry in death on July 4, 1982.

  He married Jean Graham (DuFresne) on April 26, 1986, in Stevensville, Michigan which began a nearly forty-year adventure.

   Jerry graduated from Western Michigan University with a degree in Health Science with an emphasis in radiological technology.  

 His professional career included developing Western Michigan University’s radiology program, radiology equipment sales, radiology administrator at Memorial Hospital in St. Joseph as well as x-ray and cat scan technician at Munson Hospital in Cadillac.

 Papa Jerry loved and embraced the adventures of life.  He enjoyed many outdoor activities such as running, hunting, fishing, biking, snowmobiling, boating, kayaking and traveling.  

 Papa Jerry will be remembered for many things including summertimepontoon dinner cruises, an inability to correctly repair anything and an incredible love of life.  Jerry was the life of every adventure and provided endless entertainment and mischief including the ultimate game of “gotcha last”.

 He is survived by his spouse, Jean of Cadillac; daughter Suzie Deibert(Al) of Bozeman, Montana, son, David Strejc of Lowell, step-daughter,Kris DuFresne of Iron River, step-son, Randy DuFresne (Renee) of Orchard Lake and step-son, Doug DuFresne (Cheryl) of Siler City, North Carolina; grandchildren, Melissa, Kelsie, Emilie, Claire, Paige, Zeth, Lindsey, Jonathon, Michael, Ryan, Andrew and Colby; and great grandchildren, Wilson, Tommy, August, Declan and Sylvie.

 Funeral services will be on Friday, September 12, 2025, at 1:00 P.M. at the Penzien Funeral Homes, Inc., East Jordan.  Rev. Bart Adams will officiate with interment following at Sunset Hill Cemetery, East Jordan.

 The family will receive friends on Friday from 12:00 noon to service time.  Memorial contributions may be directed to the Hospice of Michigan.

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