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NORWAY -- Gerald Joseph Gauthier, 98, of Norway, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026, while taking a ride with his daughter.
Jerry was born on Jan. 23, 1928, in Iron Mountain, to the late Lawrence and Lilliam (Thibault) Gauthier. He attended Kingsford High School, but left before graduating because he was determined to enlist in the military during World War II at age 17. With his parents' reluctant consent, Jerry enlisted in the U.S. Navy on March 19, 1945. He served aboard the USS Warren (APA-53), USS San Diego (CL-53), and USS Bon Homme Richard (CV-31) through the end of the war.
After his discharge, Jerry returned home and met the love of his life, Carol Wahlstrom. They married on Aug. 30, 1947, at St. Mary Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Kingsford. Carol preceded Jerry in death on Aug. 27 of this year, just two days before their 79th wedding anniversary.
Jerry held several jobs in Milwaukee, Wis., and Iron Mountain before Northern Michigan University accepted him to continue his education despite his lack of a high school diploma. After earning his master's degree, he worked in Iron Mountain at Amidon until it closed and then at Central until retiring in 1989.
Jerry was an enthusiastic member of the Iron Mountain High School Booster Club. He was also a longtime, active member of St. Mary and St. Joseph Catholic Church in Iron Mountain and St. Mary Catholic Church in Norway, as well as a member of American Legion Post 50.
Jerry loved playing golf and was a longtime member of Oak Crest Golf Club.
An avid outdoorsman, he especially enjoyed hunting, trout fishing, and spending time at camp.
In their younger years, Jerry and Carol loved to travel. His loyal group of card players continued gathering for as long as their families and health allowed and his chair at the poker table may never be filled.
Each year Jerry also looked forward to watching the Packers and Brewers.
Jerry will be deeply missed by his four children, Larry of Denver, Colo., married to the novelist Culley Jane Carson; Dan of Iron River; Mike of Iron Mountain, and his partner, Christina; and Kris (Gauthier) Schalow of Iron Mountain and her husband, Mike.
In addition, he is survived by eight grandchildren, Noah in Hilo, Hawaii; Elli in Longmont, Colo.; Katy in Aurora, Colo.; Nick in Marquette; Jason in Tacoma, Wash.; David in Homestead, Wis.; Casey in Sagola; and Michael in Norway. In addition, there are eight great-grandchildren; a sister, Germaine Bettiga in Minneapolis; sister-in-law Nancy Gauthier in Port Washington, Wis.; and many other family members and friends.
In addition to his wife and parents, Jerry is preceded in death by his infant son, Teddy; grandson Ryan Gauthier; daughter-in-law, Kristine (Noskey) Gauthier; two brothers, Duane and Alan Gauthier; and two brothers-in-law and a sister-in-law, Ken Bettiga, Leslie Walstrom, and Phyllis Rosala.
Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 12, at the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home, 901 Carpenter Ave.
The funeral Mass will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2026, at St. Mary Catholic Church, 401 Main St., Norway, with Father Abraham Mupparathara officiating.
Burial will be in the Iron Mountain Cemetery Park.
The compassionate care, love, and support provided to Jerry and his family by the wonderful staff at Evergreen Meadows turned a challenging time into cherished memories.
Jerry's family would also like to recognize the staffs of Northwoods Home Health Hospice and My Home My Care, especially Jessica, for the extraordinary care provided.
Condolences may be expressed to the family of Gerald Joseph Gauthier online at www.eranshfuneralhomes.com.
The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the arrangements.