Jerry G. Spedowski, age 69 of Big Rapids, passed away Wednesday, February 27, 2013 at his home. He was born June 20, 1943 in Lansing, the son of Joseph and Joyce (Sattler) Spedowski. Jerry graduated from Big Rapids High School in 1962 and enlisted into the Navy right after graduation with 3 other classmates. Following his honorable discharge from the United States Navy in 1966 Jerry returned to Big Rapids where he began his employment at Ferris State University. He was the equipment manager for the Ferris sports teams when the Bulldogs went undefeated in 1968. Jerry moved to Athens in 1969 where he was the manager of the Fowlerville Restaurant which began his interest to pursue food service. Jerry and his wife Vangie moved to Sturgis where they raised their children. While in Sturgis he opened the Golden Cone Restaurant and Donut Shop which he operated for 8 years beginning in 1975. Jerry also ran a typewriter and small business machine shop out of Kendrick's Office Supply Co. In the summer of 1984 Jerry returned to Big Rapids. He retired from F.S.U in 2000 where he worked for dining services as well as a custodian at the Business Building and HPE Building for 18 years. Jerry married Nancy K. March his high school sweetheart on July 6, 1996 in Marquette and they made their home in Big Rapids. Jerry was an avid hunter and fisherman, spending hunting season in Ontonagon with his son and friends and many summers on the Saginaw Bay. A highlight for Jerry was his fishing debut on Michigan Out of Doors. Overall he was an outdoorsman- putting a yearly garden in, camping and enjoying nature. Jerry was a member of the Mecosta County Rod & Gun Club and parishioner of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Big Rapids. Jerry was diagnosed in 2011 with ALS and volunteered to be in the Clinical Research Trial Program to hopefully help others with ALS in the future. Jerry is survived by his loving wife Nancy of Big Rapids; a daughter Dena (Steve) Gebrowsky of Clarkston, a son Danilo Spedowski of DeWitt, and their mother Evangeline "Vangie" Spedowski of Clarkston; 3 step-daughters, Michelle (Scott) Lyon of Wixom, Kristi (Jeff) Wyman of Grand Rapids and Jeni (Jeremy) Sauve of Allen Park; three brothers, Joseph (Nancy) Spedowski of Big Rapids, Jeffry (Barbara) Spedowski of Big Rapids, Jordan (Jackie) Spedowski of Reed City; brother-in-law, Harold (Pat) March of Hillsdale; eleven grandchildren, Chelsea Spedowski, Mia and Elin Gebrowsky, Christian Spedowski, Hailey, Elizabeth and Thomas Lyon, Anita and Evan Wyman, Bryce and Brady Sauve; and several nieces, nephews and close friends who will continue to cherish the memories they hold. A special thank you to Jerry's caregivers, Sue, Rebecca, Patty and all the girls from Hospice of Michigan for all of their loving and compassionate care. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Joyce Spedowski; brother and sister-in-law James (Karen) Spedowski, and nephew Joseph Spedowski. A Mass of Christian Burial for Jerry will take place 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 2, 2013 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Big Rapids with Father Lam T. Le officiating. The family will greet friends one hour prior to mass at the church. The family will greet friends on Friday, March 1st at the Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home in Big Rapids from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with a rosary at 7:30 p.m. Memorial contributions in Jerry's name can be made to the Mecosta County Rod and Gun Club to go towards youth programs, 10600 11 Mile Rd., Mecosta, MI 49332.