Gerald R. "Jerry" Elliott

Gerald R. “Jerry” Elliott, 86, of Kingsford, MI, passed away on Sunday, August 11, 2019 at his home surrounded by his loving family. Jerry was born June 5, 1933 in Kingsford, son of the late Clifford and Jean (Luke) Elliott. He graduated from Kingsford High School in 1951 and was a lifelong resident of the area. Jerry served in the United States Army and was honorably discharged with the rank of Corporal. He married Barbara Celello in November of 1955, and she preceded him in death in 1981. Jerry worked for Wisconsin Electric for over 37 years as a Line Crew Foreman before retiring in 1994. He married JoAnne Koskela on March 9, 1991. He was a member of American Martyrs Catholic Church in Kingsford, the Elks and Lions Clubs, The Knights of Columbus and the American Legion Post 363 where he served as a post commander. Jerry volunteered at the local VA Hospital for many years, was instrumental in bringing the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall to Kingsford and was involved with Northwoods AirLifeLine. He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting and spending time at camp. Jerry built his own log cabin with the help of family and friends as was tradition for many of the Elliott men. He often loaded up the 1929 Model A truck known as the “Bumpy Truck” with excited Elliott children and drove them on a bumpy ride through the woods. He also loved baseball and he played and coached softball for many years. Jerry coached many local youth, including his own son, in ski jumping at the Miron Bowl and helped organize tournaments and groomed the hills. He is survived by his wife, JoAnne; three daughters, Anita Abraham, Julie (Pete) Piatti, and Donna Tousignant, all of Iron Mountain; step-daughter, Jennifer (Jeff) Porzondek of Chippewa Falls, WI; brother, Paul (Sharon) Elliott of Niagara; two sisters, Delores “Babe” (Bill) Behrens of Kingsford and Gina Elliott of Niagara; grandchildren, Krystal Elliott (husband Dan Wentworth), Samantha Abraham, Zack Tousignant, Claryce Porzondek, Tony Piatti, Nadine Porzondek, Cooper Porzondek, Brynn (Mario) Santoni, Megan (Tony) Flaminio and Julie Ann Abraham (husband Kevin Crikelair); six great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews to whom he was affectionately known as “Uncle Pope”. Jerry is also survived by Rusty and Boliver, who were his constant feline companions. Along with his parents and wife, Barbara, he was preceded in death by a son, Michael Elliott; a grandson, Jake A. Tousignant; two sons-in-law, Sammy Abraham and Todd Tousignant; a sister, Dorothy “Bib” Fornetti; four brothers, Howard “Cork” Elliott, Willard “Buzz” Elliott, Clifford Elliott and John Elliott; and life-long friends, Marvin Secrist and Dick Meinecke. Visitation will be held from 4:00 - 7:00 pm on Thursday, August 15 at the Kingsford Funeral Home. Funeral services will be at 11:00 am on Friday, August 16 at American Martyrs Church in Kingsford. Fr. Joseph Gouin will offer the Mass of Christian Burial. Burial will be in Iron Mountain Cemetery Park. The American Legion Post 363 will conduct military graveside honors. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the U.P. Honor Flight. Condolences to the family of Gerald “Jerry” Elliott may be expressed online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home with the arrangements.

Gerald R. "Jerry" Elliott

June 5, 1933 - August 11, 2019