Gerald Wensloff, 83, of Big Rapids, passed away Tuesday, July 19, 2011 at the Hospice House of Mid-Michigan, in Lansing, Michigan. Jerry was born April 21, 1928, in Sauk Centre, Minnesota. Jerry served in the U.S. Army from 1951 to 1953 during the Korean War, as a Sergeant in the Tank Division. He went on to attend Michigan State University and received his degree in Civil Engineering. Jerry contributed a wealth of ideas and improvements to the State of Michigan during his time at MDOT Planning and Traffic, including the white line on the side of the road and the notorious "Michigan left," which, despite causing motorists to grumble, consistently cuts down on traffic accidents at busy intersections. He left MDOT to become the City Manager of Big Rapids from 1970 to 1977, where he made many improvements to the city, such as helping to develop the Big Rapids Industrial Park, and designing the Charles E. Fairman swimming pool. After his time in Big Rapids, Jerry was Chief Engineer for Sverdrup Corporation, in Phoenix, Arizona. He designed roads, bridges, parks and golf courses (including the first golf course in Bangkok, Thailand), and designed the 52 mile outer loop freeway system in Phoenix. Later, he worked for DeLeuw Cather, and designed the seventh floor offices in the Hoover Dam. His final position before retirement was as Project Engineer at Brooks, Hersey and Associates. After retiring in 1994, he returned to Big Rapids and established the Wensloff Engineering firm. Among his projects was the design of the Canadian Lakes Medical Center. Per Jerry's request, there will be no funeral. He is survived by his spouse, Aleta Wensloff, two daughters, Valeta Wensloff of Lansing, Teri Kennedy of Phoenix, Arizona, one son, Daniel Wensloff, also of Phoenix, one sister Marylyn (Ed) Barrett of Niles, Michigan, and several nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jerry's name to the Charles E. Fairman swimming pool or to the Friends of the Library. Donations may be sent to City Hall.