Former Michigan resident Gerald James Winter, 82, was taken home to the Lord September 25, 2021. He passed away at his home in Mt. Dora, Florida.

Jerry was born January 1, 1939, in Flint, Michigan, to James Arthur and Mary Catherine (Cline) Winter. An only child, he was a self-starter with an incredible work ethic, who worked on the assembly line to put himself through college. He graduated from Western Michigan University in 1961, and began his long and illustrious 42-year career at General Motors including 2 years in their overseas operations. It was through his secretary (now his sister-in-law) that he met the love of his life, Deanna Kay Kilponen.

In 1961, Jerry was drafted into the Army in response to the Cuban Missile Crisis and moved to Arlington, Virginia. He served as a sergeant in special operations and high security. In June of 1962, he returned to Michigan to marry his bride and they returned to Arlington to compete his military duties.

Jerry and Deanna settled in Dearborn, and later in Grand Blanc, Michigan to raise a family, and welcomed two daughters: Jennifer in 1964 and Stephanie in 1969. A third daughter, Laura, died in childbirth in 1966.

Jerry will always be fondly remembered for his love of cars and engineering. He could fix anything, even the hair dryer from the '70's, that he kept fixing until one of the girls threw it away! He famously refused to hire anything done, as he could do it himself; be it plumbing, break pads, oil changes, etc. He was a talented carpenter, and crafted several treasured items for the family to enjoy. He knew everything about cars, and taught his daughters how to change a tire as well as the name of every tool on the tool bench. Jerry was unwaveringly devoted to his family, and was an avid supporter of his children's and grandchildren's sports and activities. He valued education highly, something he passed on to his progeny. He also enjoyed traveling and outdoor sports. Deanna patiently joined him on numerous boating, camping, motorcycling, snowmobiling trips and recent travel in their new RV.  They shared a passion for the Michigan lake life and had a cottage on Higgins Lake for many years.

Jerry was a strong, stoic man, yet his heart melted for his grandchildren, and the joy of his life was to meet his first great-grandson this past summer. Jerry happily retired to Mount Dora, Florida, and soon found a new outlet for his leadership skills at the Mount Dora Yacht Club. Not only was he very involved in the club, organizing and participating in many of its functions, he also served as its Commodore, Vice Commodore and Rear Commodore, during which the Yacht Club celebrated its 100th year on the water. He also supported local philanthropies such as the The Ice House Theatre, serving on their board of directors for many years. He will always be remembered for his reliability and his quick generosity. He was a lifelong member of Faith Lutheran Church in Grand Blanc, and associate member of Trinity Lutheran in Summerfield, FL.

The beloved husband, father and grandfather is survived by his wife of 59 years, Deanna, daughters Jennifer Whipple (Steve), Stephanie Satkowiak (Brian), grandchildren Christopher Coriasso (Anya), Nicholas Coriasso (Katy), Carolyn Bosanac (Michael), Kevin Coriasso, Elizabeth Satkowiak, Lauren Satkowiak, Sophia Satkowiak, Matthew Satkowiak and greatgrandson Cooper Coriasso. He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Mary, his beloved grandmother Ella Mae, and daughter Laura Catherine.