Gerald “Jerry” Gortat of Lake Orion; age 81; passed away on February 8, 2024. He was 81 years old.
Jerry was born in Detroit, MI to the late Frank and Blanche Gortat. He is survived by his brother Donald (Rose Marie) Gortat, his nephews Michael (Brenda) Gortat, Greg (Jessica) Gortat, Chris (Felecia) Gortat and niece MaryLynn (Dave) Stone. And many great nephews and nieces.
Jerry was born in his family home in Detroit on December 19, 1942. He grew up in Warren, Michigan and is a graduate of Warren High. As a child he spent a great deal of time at the family cottage on Lake Orion, moving there in the late seventy’s and living there the rest of his life.
Jerry’s journey included serving in the US Air Force Reserve Air Medical Unit and a long-time career at the US Post Office, delivering mail in the city of Warren to homes and businesses.
He was active in the Warren and Lake Orion historical societies, Walter P. Chrysler Club, Antique Boat Club, and a longtime member of the Lake Orion Boat Club including serving as Secretary.
Jerry loved Lake Orion and spent his time enjoying the water. He had several boats including an antique Chris-Craft Single Cockpit Runabout produced in 1939 “Billie” he purchased in the sixties. He was also a lover of cars owning many throughout the years, including his current car, a Dodge Challenger. He loved dogs and was pleased when family and friends brought their dogs to Lake Orion for a visit. He enjoyed attending car shows and loved football, spending time having lengthy discussions about cars and football with his Great Nephews.
Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, February 16, 2024, at 11a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Lake Orion. The family will receive friends on Thursday from 4 – 8 p.m. at Sparks-Griffin Funeral Home with Scripture Prayers to be read at 7 p.m.
Any donations in memory of Jerry can be made to the Oxford Pregnancy Center.
Reflections may be shared with the family at www.sparksgriffin.com.