Gerald "Jerry" L. Kochanny Jr., born on August 25, 1933, passed away from this world on February 13 ^th , 2017. He attended St. Sebastian and St. Joseph parochial elementary and high schools in Bay City, Michigan and then earned Bachelor's, Masters and Ph. D. degrees from The University of Michigan, Bradley University and Michigan State University respectively, in the field of chemistry. After graduation he held a variety of research, technical and management positions at The Oak Ridge National Laboratory, The Dow Chemical Company, PPG Industries and The Kimberly-Clark Corporation.

Jerry was preceded in death by an infant son Bruce David; his father Gerald Sr.; his mother, Mary Dorothy (Meggar) Kochanny; and his brother-in-law, Harry Voisin.

He is survived by his wife Bonita St. Marie; his children: Kathryn, Lisa, Susan, Monica and Mark; his grandson Jake; his sister, Maxine Voisin and her family; and his very special friends Janet Kochanny, Betty Bolick and Chuan-ling Tsai.

Jerry had a love of life and a great sense of humor. He loved nature and was particularly fond of the Copper Harbor area of northern Michigan. He was very fond of lighthouses, especially the one at Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. He loved to fish and bird watch. He had a great sense of commitment to those he loved and tremendous compassion for others. He will be greatly missed.

Jerry considered that the most important event in his life was his re-birth in Jesus Christ on May 7, 2006. A memorial service will be held at Calvary Chapel of Appleton (2136 E. Newberry Street) at 11:00 am on Wednesday February 22, 2017 with Pastor Dwight Douville officiating.  Visitation will begin at 10:00 am and a lunch will follow the service.