Gerald (Jerry) Stribbell, age 80 of Farmington Hills and Lake Ogemaw, MI, passed away Tuesday, August 3, 2021 surrounded by his family. A devoted husband to Jan for 57 years, he inspired all who knew him with his passion for life and family.

After graduating from U of D Jesuit High School, Jerry continued his studies at John Carroll University, where he met the love of his life, Jan (standing in a horseshoe of girls, as we all heard many times). A true man for others, Jerry served his country as a First Lieutenant in the U.S. Army overseas in Germany where he and Jan started their family. After returning to the U.S. with their daughter, Jerry and Jan moved back to Michigan where their family grew to eight with the addition of five more kids.

Prior to moving to Farmington Hills, Jerry was a beloved neighbor, friend, and renowned prankster within their Royal Oak Community. He proudly served as President of the Royal Oak Jaycees, an organization dear to his heart. 

A devoted member and former President of the Senior Men’s Club of Birmingham, Jerry persistently recruited every doctor he met when they asked him, “Do you have any questions for me?” anticipating questions about his health. He truly never knew a stranger, and his family will forever be grateful for the compassion and love shown to us these past several weeks in particular.

Jerry shared his passion for travel and culture, as well as his knowledge of fishing, birds, plants, and all things financial with his children and grandchildren. His storytelling was legendary, and his tales will live on through his family.

Jerry was preceded in death by his mother Bernice, father Frank, brother Ken, and two sisters, Marilyn and Shirley. He is survived by his wife Jan, six children: Beth (Tom) Obear, Laura (Todd) Horner, Kristine (Kevin) Gillespie, Jeff (Brandi) Stribbell, Cari (Ian) Coffer, Jen (Todd) Gordon. Grandfather to 18 grandkids blessed to call him Papa: Katie, Ryan, Tyler, and Megan Obear; Lily and Brendan Burkhart; Noah, Dominic, Quinn, and Faith Gillespie; Lauren and Dylan Stribbell; Owen, Alanah, and Arika Coffer; Sam, Max, and Cate Gordon. We will miss our Dad and Papa dearly and appreciate your prayers.

The family will accept visitors on Sunday, August 8th from 5-7pm at McCabe Funeral Home: 31950 W. 12 Mile Road, Farmington Hills. On Monday, August 9th Jerry will lie in state from 9-10am at St. Fabian Catholic Church, 32200 W. 12 Mile Road, Farmington Hills, followed by a funeral mass at 10am. The family will celebrate Jerry’s life privately after the mass.

Memorial contributions in Jerry’s honor can be made to U of D Jesuit High School & Academy (https://www.uofdjesuit.org/giving/memorial-gifts), or the Senior Men’s Club of Birmingham (https://www.seniormensclubbirmingham.com/).

Keeping everyone’s safety in mind, we kindly ask that all guests wear a mask while attending services.