Gerald Pretzer Obituary

Gerald Dale Pretzer of Brant, Michigan

Beloved father, brother, uncle, and friend passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Friday, July 18, 2025, at Covenant Healthcare – Cooper. He was 89 years old. Gerald Dale Pretzer was born on August 23, 1935, in Hemlock, Michigan, to the late Walter and Violet (Kreger) Pretzer. He attended Hemlock schools and began working on the family farm where he assisted his father in training horses to plow. Gerald met the love of his life, Nora Marie Harris, while working at the duck farm in Hemlock. They dated, fell in love, and were united in marriage on September 3, 1955; she preceded him in death on September 1, 2012. Gerald was employed as an oiler with General Motors Steering Gear, retiring after 31 ½ years of loyal and dedicated service. He was a former member of Zion Lutheran Church in Hemlock. A handyman by every sense of the word, he proudly built his own home. Upon retirement he kept himself busy by helping his son bulldoze projects and build pole barns. His dislike for weeds and meticulous eye for detail often led to a nicely manicured lawn, as well as hobby farming for a little while. Gerald also enjoyed spending time upstate near Wixom Lake in Albright Shores. He held a special place in his heart for animals, especially all his dogs over the years. He will forever be remembered for his selflessness to anyone in need, for the love he had for his family, and for truly sharing wonderful times and memories with all he loved.

Surviving are his twin sons: Larry (Nannette) Pretzer of St. Charles; Gary (Cheryl) Pretzer of Marion Springs; two sisters and a brother: Janet Quackenbush of Hemlock; Judy Pretzer of Saginaw; Terry (Aunt Jeanelle) Pretzer of Saginaw; a brother-in-law, Duane Harris of Saginaw; a sister-in-law, Jean Kostal of Merrill. Also surviving are many nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends too numerous to mention but held closely to the family’s heart.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Nora Pretzer; two sons: Robert and Roy Pretzer; a sister, Jeanne Pretzer; three brothers-in-law, Kenny Harris, Chuck Quackenbush, and AC Kostal; two sisters-in-law, Vicki Harris and Flora Mae Decker.

A funeral service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at the W. L. Case and Company Funeral Directors, 125 E. Saginaw St., Merrill, MI 48637. Pastor Ernesto Mariona will officiate. Burial will follow at Marion Township Cemetery. Friends are welcome to visit with the family at the funeral chapel on Monday from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and on Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to the Macular Degeneration Association. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home or through www.casefuneralhome.com.