GERALD GONDER CELEBRATION
JUNE 17, 1964 - APRIL 25, 2024 AKA
LIFE
OF
JERRY O’DONNELL
GERALD DEWAYNE GONDER IN LOVING MEMORY
AKA JERRY O’DONNELL
ADORED SON, BROTHER, HUSBAND, AND FATHER
TUESDAY, MAY 28, DOW DIAMOND
WELCOME AND INTRODUCTION
Craig Lang (friend)
LIFE TRIBUTE
Bruce Smith (friend), Chris Mundhenk (friend), Michelle Langley & Bill Anders (friends)
Reverend Jerry Miles I’ll Fly Away, Alden Gonder (brother), Yvonne Schwind (sister), Laverna Witkop (sister)
HOW GREAT THOU ART
Jessica Wall (niece)
READING
Lamentations �:��-��; ��-��, Romans �:��; ��-��
Reverend Wallace Mayton
IN THE GARDEN
Jessica Wall (niece)
READING
John ��:��-��; Psalm ��:��-��
Reverend David Fisher
LIFE TRIBUTE
Jordan Gonder(son)& Caleb Marshall-Stevens (stepson)
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS & CLOSING REMARKS
Craig Lang (friend)
“You don’t have to fear death if you know where you’re going.”
Jerry O’Donnell
Gerald Dewayne Gonder, aka Jerry O'Donnell, was born to John and Berneice (Bancroft) Gonder on June 17, 1964 in Traverse City, Michigan. He graduated from Benzie Central High School in 1982. He was active in band and 4-H, where he raised and competed with show cattle, and Future Farmers of America, where he was honored to serve as local chapter secretary and then state president. He also enjoyed singing with Lake Ann United Methodist Church choir during his high school years. He studied communications at Northwestern Michigan College in Traverse City, Michigan before beginning a career in radio, which spanned WBNZ in Benzonia, Michigan, WLDR in Traverse City, WGER in Saginaw, and lastly, retiring as Broadcaster Emeritus from the Great Lakes Loons in Midland, Michigan as the voice of Dow Diamond.
In addition to announcing Loons games, a professional passion was doing voiceovers for radio and television commercials and documentaries, as well as auctioneering for fundraisers. One of the work projects that he was most proud of was the documentary Ships of the Great Lakes, which he narrated and co-produced with his friend and colleague Tom Mays. He had a passion for the history and stories of the vessels that sailed the inland seas and was thrilled to share his knowledge and enthusiasm with viewers.
He was a spicy foodie who enjoyed cooking, gardening, growing his own jalapeno peppers, and sharing a large collection of hot sauces. He loved animals, especially his dogs, bird watching, and anything to do with cows. In his final weeks, he derived great pleasure from tongue tacos, particularly, but not limited to, beef.
He loved spending time with his wife, Jennifer Marshall-Gonder, and his favorite home leisure activities included playing Pokemon Go with his wife or watching documentaries on musical legends. He was a devoted father who enjoyed spending time with his sons. He was also fond of a certain famous reality show featuring particularly unaesthetic surgeries.
He is deeply missed by his family, including his loving wife, Jennifer; sons, Jordan, Jared, and Trevor; and step-son, Caleb Marshall-Stevens. Also surviving are his mother, Berneice Gonder; brother, John Alden (Sharon) Gonder; sisters, Yvonne (Jim) Schwind, and Laverna (Mike) Witkop; as well as many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his father, John Alvin Gonder in 2010. Gerald “Jerry” provided a great gift to others, by being a Gift of Life donor, and donating his corneas. The family would like to express their gratitude to the Tori & Trish House for their loving care and hospitality for Gerald “Jerry” and family during his stay.