Gerald (Jerry) M. Cole of Chicago, Illinois and Grand Beach, Michigan, died Friday, February 3, 2017, after a short illness. Born November 8, 1936, in Saginaw, Michigan to Donald and Dorothy Cole, Jerry graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School and married Dorothy Creech on September 23, 1960, in Battle Creek, Michigan.
Survived by his wife of 56 years, Dorothy, daughter Stacey, brother Jackson (Brigitte) Cole of Kirkland, Washington, and brother brother-in-law Roy Creech of Winter Garden, Florida. Nieces, Sharon (Ed) Davids, Carla (Marty) Munn, Tala (Marc) Creech, LeaAnn (Larry) Beacham, Jeannie (Joe) Gonzales, all of Battle Creek, Michigan, and Gina (John) Trivelli of Colorado Springs, Colorado, and Jackie (Karl) Volke of Kirkland, Washington, and nephews Edward (Elena) Creech of Evanston, Illinois, and James (Michelle) Creech of Frisco, Texas. He was preceded in death by his parents and niece Denna Cole.
Jerry was employed by Federal Life and Casualty and a member of the Battle Creek Jaycees when he lived in Battle Creek. In Chicago, Illinois he held numerous roles at Kemper Financial Services and retired in 1996 after a long and highly successful career. He went on to consult and co-founded KCS & World, an integrated marketing communications agency. He continued to work up until his illness as Chairman and CEO of MAGS II.
Jerry was a devoted father to his daughter Stacey and enjoyed walking, biking, cars, and entertaining with his wife.
In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Mary of Providence School, 4200 N. Austin Ave, Chicago, IL 60634.
The family will receive friends from 3:00 PM to 7:00PM Thursday (today) at the Bachman Hebble Funeral Service, 223 N. Bedford Rd. Funeral services will be held 11:00 AM Friday at Central Christian Church, 713 Riverside Dr. Interment to follow at Memorial Park Cemetery. Visit Jerry’s webpage at www.bachmanhebble.com.