Gerald “Jerry” Morelli, 87, passed away on August 26, 2026. Jerry was born March 22, 1939, to Edmondo (“Moe”) and Louise (Turnquist) Morelli.

He was the brother of Edmund, Barbara, Sharon, Patricia, and Marilyn. Jerry was the beloved husband of 67 years to Jeanette (Raiche) and proud father of Mike (Tonya Roe) Morelli, Denise (Ken) Gauthier, Greg (Ashley) Morelli, and Kathy (Steve) Stone. He will be greatly missed by his 11 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Jerry was a life-long resident of the area. He met Jeanette at 8th grade school camp, and they later became high school sweethearts. They graduated from Iron Mountain High School together in 1957, were married in 1959, and soon started a family.

Jerry was a talented custom home builder who always took pride in his work. He never shied away from a challenge, and all his homes had custom details. At a young age, he established the G.R. Morelli Co. and maintained a successful business for 50 years, continuing to work until he was 74 years old because he was “enjoying it too much to retire”. He was respected for the quality of his work and built many homes in the Moon Lake area, the first of which was the family home for 63 years. His crowning achievement was his scribe fit log camp.

As dedicated as Jerry was to his work, he always prioritized family. Many important family times occurred at Jerry’s very favorite place – his camp. From spending Christmas in the early years with visits from Santa to their 60th anniversary party, camp was the center of family time.

Jerry loved the outdoors from an early age and was an avid hunter and fisherman. Whether it was local blue gill and brook trout or Alaskan salmon and halibut, he enjoyed the quiet time on the water. He was lucky to have many opportunities to hunt big game in Alaska, but his favorite hunts were deer season at camp with his boys and quiet walks in the woods to bird hunt with his dogs. He did his best thinking in quiet moments looking out at the lake or walking in the woods on his property at camp.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; siblings Edmund, Barbara Halverson, Sharon and Patricia; son, Greg Morelli; nephews, Russ Halverson and Adam Murray; and grandson, Teller Stone.

Funeral arrangements are being provided by Jacob’s Funeral Home. Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 3rd from 5-7 pm. Services will be at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, 221 West B Street, Iron Mountain, on Friday, September 4th at 11:00 am with lunch to follow. Burial at Cemetery Park, Iron Mountain, MI.

In lieu of flowers, please making a donation to Tunnel To Towers or Pine Creek Woodworking.