Gerard "Ty" Fedewa

Gerard “Ty” Fedewa was a fun loving man who liked nothing better than to make people laugh. Generous and hard working, he earned the respect of others both at work and within his family. His gentleness could be seen in his love for animals, yet he also had a mischievous streak that led him to tease and prank, all in good fun, of course.

In the midst of controversial topics like Rock ‘n’ Roll, Vietnam, and Jim Crow laws, Harold and Bertha (Schafer) Fedewa were managing their busy but generally peaceful lives on their farm just north of Lansing, Michigan. They learned that their three children would soon be welcoming another sibling, and they were overjoyed to meet precious Gerard on February 19, 1955. Gerard hit the ground running to keep up with his big brother and sisters and soon found that his niche in the family included making the others laugh. His brother, David was born later.

Gerard was born in St. Johns, a few miles east of the family’s hometown of Fowler. Born the same year that the Brooklyn Dodgers won their first and only World Series, Gerard grew up to love baseball. An outfielder, he was given the nickname “Ty” after the Tigers’ matchless Ty Cobb. The Georgia Peach broke ninety records during his career, providing Gerard plenty of inspiration while catching flies and fielding grounders in Fowler.

Growing up on the family farm, Ty and his siblings learned to work hard and play harder. His dad worked at General Motors and also ran the farm. Ty’s mom managed the household. The kids were close, and when Ty’s younger brother learned to drive, Ty actually let David use his car. Not many brothers would take that risk.

After graduating from Fowler High School, Ty worked part-time at a mint farm, then found a job at Sealed Power in St. Johns. At times, he held down three jobs at once and his work ethic became a great example to his co-workers and those who knew him best.

Ty’s favorite activities made it obvious that he loved the outdoors. Maple River Catfish was his favorite catch. A good sport, he didn’t mind retelling the story of the big one he battled until he lost both the fish and his pole. He enjoyed hunting, as well, even though he didn’t often bring home a trophy for his efforts. He liked to golf and inherited his family’s green thumb, demonstrated by his successful gardens and the help he cheerfully offered to others who had questions about their plots. But no matter how much he loved the fresh air and sunshine, nothing on Earth compared to the love he had for his dear family.

When he met a charming woman named Annette, Gerard knew she was a catch that he couldn’t let get away. He introduced her to his family and spent the next three years falling more and more in love. They exchanged vows in Pewamo on May 5, 1979.

Ty was beyond thrilled when his two boys were born. He adored watching them grow and learn, teaching them about the things he loved and encouraging them to develop their own interests. He loved to laugh and joke with his kids as well as their friends and cousins. He took great pleasure in cooking for them and everyone enjoyed his wonderful pies.

Although his humor and fun-loving attitude often lightened the mood around the Fedewa home, there was nothing to ease the pain when the family lost Annette on February 27, 1996. Gerard was devastated. Through his grief, he tried to focus on the positive and took great comfort in his family. He remained grateful for the years the two of them had shared.

Gerard liked to be around people and community involvement was important to him. He was a member of Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church, the Fowler Conservation Club, and Fowler V.F.W. Auxiliary Post #3733. He was well known for his good humor and willingness to give where he saw a need.

And give is exactly what Gerard was willing to do for the sake of his family. Besides cherishing his own children, he also expressed his love for his siblings by treasuring every niece and nephew. Although they will miss his ready laugh, his jokes, and even his pranks, they have lasting memories of good times and the undying certainty of his love.

Gerard died on Sunday, April 11, 2010. He is survived by his sons, Adam (Kelsey) Fedewa and Nathan Fedewa; his sisters, Mary Ann (Bill) Young and Helena (Gary) Platte; brothers, Ken (Roxane) Fedewa and David Fedewa; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife.

Mass of the Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, April 15, 2010, at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Fowler, with Fr. James Conlon presiding. The family will receive friends at the George Chapel of Osgood Funeral Homes, 11112 W. Ionia St., Fowler, from 2-4 p.m. and from 7-9 p.m. on Tuesday, April 13, and Wednesday, April 14, with a rosary being prayed Wednesday at 8:00 p.m. Anyone wishing to contribute a memorial may contact the family who will then direct it to a charity of their choice. Please visit http://www.lifestorynet.com/memories/57872 where you may view Gerard’s personal memory page and share a favorite memory or photo as well as sign his online memory book.