Gerald Stanley Majtyka of Ypsilanti passed peacefully at the age of 83 at the home he shared with friends and caregivers.

Jerry was born on November 4, 1940, in Adrian, Michigan, the first child of Stanley and Joanna "Jenny" (nee Stibbles) Majtyka. Jerry was raised in Adrian, Tecumseh and Willis, moving to Ypsilanti in the 1980s.

His primary loves were holiday gatherings and visits from family and friends, especially if a meal at Bob Evans or the Pickle Barrel were on the agenda. He never forgot a birthday (especially his!), or to ask about how any loved ones who weren't in the room were faring. He was a devoted fan of the Tigers, Lions, Red Wings and Michigan football. He danced and sang to early rock-and-roll music and could not be stumped on the provenance of any rock artist or song from the 1950s and 60s. If you were buying a gift for Jerry, a watch or necklace was the path into his heart, the louder and brighter, the better.

Jerry was predeceased by his parents and his brother Howard, as well as his nephew Corey Majtyka.

He is survived by his brother Ron and sister-in-law Patricia Majtyka, and sister-in-law Nancy Majtyka, to whom the family is immensely grateful for her love and care as Jerry's guardian for more than 20 years. Jerry was also beloved by his nieces and nephews Jeff Majtyka (Blair), Heather Majtyka (Michael D'Angelo), Adam Majtyka (Bradleigh Lore) and Ashley Majtyka (Damian Rumbough), and he touched the lives of his grand-nieces and nephews as well.

Jerry blessed all of our lives with his love and happiness, and served as a constant reminder that life is best when lived joyfully and stress-free!