Robert Gerald Bell

Robert Gerald “Jerry” Bell was born on October 7th, 1950 in Detroit, Michigan. His parents Virginia “Gina” and Roy were, of course, delighted by the addition of their beautiful baby boy. Even as a small child, he had a close relationship with God. During his formative years, and beyond, even until the time of his passing, his relationship with God continued to grow. While in school at St. Mary’s, in Royal Oak, Michigan, he was a versatile athlete playing both football and basketball. Even though he was small in stature, his presence on and off the field was larger than life. He met Kim Garber (of Bowling Green, Ohio), the love of his life, shortly after he moved to Cheboygan, Michigan. Soon after they were married and their family began to grow; they welcomed three children: Molly Barker (Travis), Amanda (Antina Ittner), and Pierce. Above all, he was passionate about providing and caring for his family. Another passion was his is work; his career in construction spanned more than forty years. In fact, he counted his colleagues among his very closest friends; he thought of Dale and Wendy Belsley and their children and grandchildren as an extension of his own family. He was an incredibly talented artisan; in his spare time, he worked in his shop building beautiful furniture for his family, which will be passed down through the generations. He also loved the outdoors; he couldn’t spend enough time outside, especially in the woods. Jerry was preceded in death by his mother and father. He is survived by his wife, Kim; three children, Molly, Amanda, and Pierce; three grandchildren, Elyse, who he helped raise and enjoyed a special bond with; Emma; and Ari; and three sisters, Nancy Wood (Doug), Dianne Schuchard (Dan), and Carol Suhy (Pete); along with numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins, who all loved him immensely. He touched all who he met, and will be sorely missed by many. He was always a fighter; he waged a courageous battle against cancer. Jerry and his family are deeply grateful to the staff at the University of Michigan, Promedica Hospice of Toledo, and Father Charles Ritter for their steadfast care and unwavering support during this most difficult time. The visitation for Jerry will be held at Walker Funeral Home from 2pm-9pm on Sunday, April 17; a Catholic Mass at St. Joseph Parish in Sylvania, Ohio will be held the following day, Monday, April 18 at 10am. Should you wish to make a gift in lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to the National Pancreatic Cancer Foundation.