GEKIERE, Jerry Gekiere

Passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, December 21, 2025 in his 77th year. Jerry was the owner/operator of Delhi Dodge for over 20 years. Jerry was a proud resident of Delhi for most of his life, where he was a strong advocate of the need to give back and contribute to the community. His contribution was recognized in 1997 when he was declared the ‘Citizen of the Year.’ Jerry began his community involvement when his nephew Dave started expressing interest in Delhi minor hockey, and he helped his brother-in-law Julien (Juice) manage the Delhi Flames. He continued to support and sponsor youth sports teams through Delhi Dodge. At one time he was also a Member of the Delhi Lions Club, Scouts Canada, and the Independent Order of Oddfellows. It was at brunches run at the Delhi Lions’ Hall that Jerry mastered the art of pancake flipping and hamburger flipping and fry cooking in the Lions’ food booth at the Harvest Fest. Jerry once was an avid skeet shooter, yearly attender of car drag racing in Indianapolis , snowmobiler, and Member of the Quagmire Bog Jumpers. In his later years, Jerry enjoyed golfing, challenging honey to do lists and projects from his wife, and coffee breaks with his friends at Paul’s Cafe and later Mai & Pai’s. The thing that Jerry enjoyed the most was camping with his children, grandchildren and the friends he made through the years from Scouting and the Lions Club – the Late Wilfred & Marg Saunders, Cindy (Late Terry) Pieters, and his special honourary son, Al Seymour and his wife Alice. Beloved husband of Linda (VanCraenenbroeck) Gekiere. Loving father of Katherine Gekiere, Jason Gekiere (Rebecca) and Justin Gekiere (Alicia). Cherished grandfather of Landon, Lyric and Hadley. Dearest brother of Carol Deelen (Late Julien, 2022). Special godfather of Cynthia Deelen (David) and special honourary brother of Dave Deelen (Kim), Gary Scheers (Mary) and Julien Deelen (Carol). Jerry is also survived by several nieces, nephews, his sister-in-law Veronica Demeyere (Ronald) and many dear friends. He is predeceased by his parents, Gilbert (1980) and Dorothy (nee VanSteelandt, 1962). Friends may call at Our Lady, Queen of Martyrs Roman Catholic Church, Delhi for visitation on Saturday, January 17, 2026 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. followed by a Memorial Mass to be held at 11:00 a.m. Memorial Donations to the Juravinski Cancer Centre Foundation (Hamilton) and the Children’s Health Foundation (London) can be made at the MURPHY FUNERAL HOME, Delhi (519) 582-1290 (www.mfh.care) and will be gratefully appreciated by the family.