Gerald E. Thuerwachter, 88, of Daytona Beach, FL passed away Thursday, May 29, 2014. He was born January 18, 1926 in Wisconsin, where he spent his early years before moving to Big Rapids, MI in the mid 70's. People best knew him as Radar'. He was honorably discharged from the United States Army after serving during World War II in the 82nd Airborne. He spent many of years living in the Big Rapids area where he met the Nowlin family. Radar soon became special friends with Helen Nowlin and played an important part in not only her children's life but her extended family as well. Radar was a very giving and thoughtful person who would go out of his way to help you out if he could. Driving a John Deere tractor was one of his favorite pastimes. He also enjoyed spending many years at deer camp with the boys and playing cards with the family. Watching and rooting for the Detroit Lions with Helen was not unusual for a Sunday afternoon. He worked and retired as an inspector on the pipe line. Working for multiple companies allowed him to travel across the United States. Radar spent the last several years in Florida with his son Tom. He enjoyed it very much when members of the Nowlin family would come to visit and take him site seeing. Radar is survived by one son, Tom (Ruth) who resides in Daytona Beach, FL along with many Nowlin family members from the Big Rapids and Homer area. He will be missed by all his friends and family. A Memorial service will be held at the Amvets Post 1941 in Big Rapids, MI at 12:00 p.m. Saturday, July 26, 2014. The family will greet friends from 11:30 a.m. until the time of service at 12:00 p.m. at the Amvets.