Gerald D. "Jerry" Buskirk

Gerald D. "Jerry" Buskirk, Sr. age 82, of Battle Creek passed away peacefully on Tuesday morning, June 8, 2021 at the Laurels of Bedford. He was born in Battle Creek on July 20, 1938, the son of Curtis and Ellen (Bishop) Buskirk. Jerry faithfully served his country as a member of the United States Army in Korea from 1955 to 1963 and then served with the United States Air Force from 1978 until he was honorably discharged as a Tech Sergeant on November 2, 1994. He retired from General Motors in 1993 after more than 25 years. Jerry enjoyed working with his hands and working outside. He also enjoyed Square Dancing, playing cards, going to the casinos, golfing and bowling.

Jerry married Barbara A. "Barb" Hansen in Battle Creek on June 9, 1967; she survives. He is also survived by his children, Gerald "Jerry" (Beth) Buskirk, Jr., Dave Buskirk, Judith Buskirk, and Jim (Sue) Buskirk; his step-children, Dennis (Nancy) Little, Doug Little, and Greg Little; 26 grandchildren; and 50 great-grandchildren. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; a grandson, Mathis Case; a great-grandson, Kaden Yother; a step-son & his wife, Todd Little & Theresa Yother; and a daughter-in-law, Sue Little.

The family will receive friends 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., Friday, June 11th at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Battle Creek where funeral services to celebrate Jerry's life will be held at 11:00 a.m. The service will be Livestreamed and may be viewed at https://vimeo.com/560912149. Interment with full military honors follow at Floral Lawn Memorial Gardens Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or to the family.