Gerald Formsma

Gerald "Jerry" Russel Formsma, loving father, grandfather and husband left this world on October 6, 2024 in Wyoming, MI after 96 full years.

Gerald was born to Melvin and Charlotte Formsma in Grand Rapids, MI. After graduating from Wyoming Park High School in 1946 Jerry studied chemistry and physics at Hope College and Western Michigan University, graduating from WMU with a bachelor of science degree in physics and Master's degree in Education.

Jerry married his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Constance Yvonne Hartman, on September 9, 1949. Jerry and Connie were married for over 73 years until her death last year. Jerry and Connie are survived by children: Kari Formsma (Larry Hembroff) of Jenison, Hunter Boone of Kalamazoo, Daniel Formsma (Rene) of Sturgis and Kelly McVeigh of Okemos. Gerald was predeceased by beloved son-in-law Brian McVeigh, brothers Jay, Duane and Gordon, and his parents.

After teaching and coaching multiple sports at Shelby High School, Jerry entered the aluminum industry living and working in Grand Rapids, MI, Phoenix, AZ, Parchment, MI, and Elkhart, IN. Jerry was a brilliant scientist, metallurgist and entrepreneur. He, with colleague and dear friend, Lou Gaspar, developed a chemical patent used throughout the aluminum anodizing industry for decades that both eliminated much of the pollution that had formerly plagued that industry as well as increased productivity. In addition to his scientific acumen, in 1972 Jerry established the successful Architectural Anodizing Corporation of America (AACOA) in Elkhart, IN, and, later, expanded into aluminum extrusion in Niles, MI. He was well known as a kind, fair and humble leader and much loved by his employees. He frequently credited the company's success to those employees and was gratified to have offered a livelihood to them and their families.

One of Gerald's favorite anecdotes was about an incident that took place early in his career when he was the employee. While walking around the factory with his boss, he watched the boss stoop to pick up a small piece of trash that was on the factory floor. Jerry cited this as an example he wanted to follow - to be a leader that was not above doing even the small things to make things right. He led from this perspective.

In addition to his numerous achievements, Jerry was almost always home for dinner to spend time with his wife, Connie, and their four children. He made it a priority to attend events for his children, 7 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren including concerts, sporting events, plays, graduations and important family activities. Jerry truly put family first.

Music was a shared passion with Connie. They sang in church choirs everywhere they lived including United Methodist Churches in Parchment, MI, Phoenix, AZ and Elkhart, IN until the Covid-19 epidemic ended that service. Connie and Jerry were members of Trinity on Jackson. Additionally Jerry loved singing in barbershop choruses and quartets and did so for decades, being a member of the Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barber Shop Quartet Singing in America, SPEBSQSA, (now the Barbershop Harmony Society.) He was a gifted bass singer and, next to his family and AACOA, barbershop singing was one of Jerry's greatest passions. He and Connie loved traveling, especially with dear friends, family and barbershop companions.

Jerry continued his interest and hobbies, especially those with a scientific bent. These included sailing, photography, physics, and astronomy, sharing these passions with many of his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He loved playing golf and continued watching football and other sports, especially when he could do these with family. He was a life-long car enthusiast.

Jerry and Connie spent many happy winter months in Mesa, AZ at their much loved "Venture Out" retirement community. They made friends where ever they went.

Visitation time will be held Sunday, October 13 from 4-6pm at the Stemm-Lawson-Peterson Funeral Home,1531 Cobblestone Blvd., Elkhart, IN 46514 and on Monday, October 14 from 9:30 to 10:30 am at Trinity on Jackson Methodist Church 2715 E. Jackson Blvd., Elkhart, IN. 46516. Funeral service will be at 10:30 am, October 14 at Trinity followed by a luncheon. A short graveside service and burial will begin at 3 pm at Grandville Cemetery 3570 Prairie St, SW, Grandville, MI. 49418 on that same date. Online condolences for Jerry may be made at www.stemmlawsonpeterson.com