On Friday, March 29, 2019, Jerry Lee Fojtik, loving father, son, husband, brother, cousin and friend, passed away at the age of 71 from ALS.

Jerry was born in Adrian, Michigan, on May 12, 1947, to Jerry and Marion (Beck) Fojtik. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology from Adrian College in 1969.

Jerry was known for his quick wit and love of life. He retained his sense of humor until the very end, never stopped joking with nurses and caregivers, until his body was no longer able to house his big spirit. 

Jerry had a passion for travel. He loved to learn about other cultures. He was brave.  Many of those closest to Jerry have a harrowing yet exciting story to tell from one of the camping trips or travels to distant countries they took together. Somehow, they always made it back safely with memories to keep for a lifetime. He often reflected that these experiences reinforced his belief that people from other cultures are not to be feared but respected, and also not to sit back when adventure presented itself.

Jerry also had a great passion for teaching. His enthusiasm for nature, plants, and all animals was palpable. He imparted that wisdom on countless classrooms of students at Pinconning High School and Middle School over his 28 years of teaching biology. 

In his free time, he played golf, gave driving tests, and met his friends for coffee. He was a loyal friend.

Jerry was preceded in death by his father, Jerry, his brother, Doug (Cindy), and his father-in-law Mac McKenzie. He is survived by his wife, Carol, his three children, Richard Fojtik (Jennifer), Cassandra Guy (David), and Megan Fojtik (John), his mother Marion, his sisters, Marsha Raymond (Daniel), Teri Matich, and Janice McAndrews (Joe), his cousin, Jim Fojtik (MaryAnn), his mother-in-law Irma McKenzie, his former wife Phyllis, several nieces and nephews, and perhaps his biggest pride, his six grandchildren: Shannon, Emily, David, Catherine, Sarah, and Luke, as well as one great-grandchild, Irene.

A memorial gathering will take place on Sunday, May 5, 2019 at 39093 Kennedy Drive, Farmington Hills, Michigan 48331 from 2pm-6pm in order to celebrate his life. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Wildlife Conservation Society, whose mission it is to “save wildlife and wild places worldwide through science, conservation action, education, and inspiring people to value nature” or to the National Park Foundation.