Jerry Van Dorpe

Jerry George Van Dorpe Charlotte, MI Age 78 passed away on Sunday, June 10, 2012 peacefully at home under the loving care of his family and support of Sparrow Hospice.  Jerry was born August 20, 1933 in Eaton County the son of Adiel and Marie (DeSander) Van Dorpe and was a lifelong resident of Eaton County. Jerry was a self-employed farmer for the past 54 years. He was an avid tractor puller, owner/driver of “The Screamin Demon II.” He was inducted into the NTPA Tractor Pullers Hall of Fame in 2011.  He was a supporter of Eaton County 4-H Fair and Olivet Athletics.  He was a U. S. Army veteran of the Korean War. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Velma “Corky” (Clever) Van Dorpe; his children, Larry (Pam), Doug and Sandra (Troy) Ploehn; his grandchildren, Kelly (Troy) Gardner, Blake (Priscilla) Van Dorpe, Courtney (Justin) Giesel, Carly (Cliff) Herold, Jerry (Emily Van Dorpe, Misty Morey, Lacey (Alec) West and Kiley Ploehn.; nine great grandchildren and sisters, Rosemary (Louis) Howe and Alida Starkweather. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Fresenius (Dialysis) Medical Care of Eaton County or Sparrow Hospice Services. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A. M. Thursday, June 14, 2012 at the Burkhead-Green Funeral Home, Charlotte with Rev. Jack Brown and Rev. Todd Page officiating.  Interment will be in the Maple Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Wednesday from 2-4 & 6-8 P.M. at the Funeral Home.  www.burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com