Gerald "Jerry" Hauch, 86, of Bainbridge Center, passed away at Woodland Terrace in Coloma on Monday, March 9, 2026 following an extended illness.

As per Jerry's wishes, cremation has taken place and there are no services planned. Memorials in Jerry's memory may be made to Sarett Nature Center. Duffield & Pastrick Funeral Home is assisting the family and those wishing to share a memory or leave a message for the family may do so at www.duffieldpastrick.com.

Jerry was born March 12, 1939 in Detroit, the son of Roland and Ruth Hauch. The family relocated to Michigan in 1941. Jerry graduated from Eau Claire High School where he played on the varsity teams in both basketball and football. During high school, he met Carol Latislaw and the couple later married on June 24, 1963. After high school, he again played basketball while attending Western Michigan University where he eventually earned his Bachelor's Degree. Jerry and Carol came back to Coloma and Jerry taught classes at Coloma High School while also coaching the football team. Jerry was an outdoor person, enjoying the turkeys, deer and wide variety of birds that visited his feeders. He made many bluebird houses over the years which he spread throughout their property. In younger years he enjoyed deer and pheasant hunting, as well as skiing in Colorado with Carol. Following Jerry's retirement from teaching, he spent many years helping his dad out on the family farm.

Jerry is survived by his sister, Joyce (Jim) Drach of Benton Harbor. He was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Carol, his parents and his sister Bonnie Lyster.