Gerald Caugh

Gerald “Gerry” Caugh (March 20, 1944-July 10, 2024)

Gerry Caugh, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and artist, passed away peacefully on July 10. He was surrounded by family and under the compassionate care of Munson Healthcare Hospice and the dedicated staff at Cordia at Grand Traverse Commons.

Gerry was born on March 20, 1944, in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, to Charles and Evelyn Caugh. Growing up with his brothers Larry and Terry, and sister Mary, Gerry developed a deep appreciation for family and a love for creativity that would shape his life.

At Kendall School of Design in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Gerry met Carolyn, the love of his life, at a school dance where her encouragement pulled him away from the wall and into a lifetime together. Their bond grew everyday over 59 years of marriage, marked by the joys and challenges of raising their sons Kurt (Ann), Eric (Sara), and Craig (Kayce) and navigating 20 moves around the country.

Gerry was a talented furniture designer by trade, but his true passion lay in his art. His paintings and drawings beautifully captured the essence of Northern Michigan, where he found inspiration in its landscapes and light. Gerry also had an entrepreneurial spirit and was known, on occasion, to build birdhouses and furniture to sell in local shops.

Gerry was known for his spirited debates and love for golf, tinkering in the yard, cheering on his favorite sports teams (especially the Green Bay Packers, North Carolina Tarheels, and Ohio State Buckeyes), and cherishing visits to Lake Michigan. His fondness for donuts, braunschweiger, Brandy Old Fashioneds, stollen, and his mother's coffee cake was legendary among family and friends.

Above all, Gerry cherished his family. He found immense joy in being together for meals filled with laughter and stories, and even an occasional food fight. His love and protectiveness extended especially to his grandchildren Lauren, Patrick, Connor, Kass, Kristin, and Parker, whom he adored.

One of Gerry's proudest moments was relocating his family to Northern Michigan, creating a new home base that became a source of joy and inspiration for them all. While work would require moves away from the area for short periods, he and Carolyn were always drawn back to their life in the North Woods.

Gerry Caugh will be remembered for his artistic spirit, his love of family, and his ability to find the humor in life's more challenging moments. He leaves behind a legacy of creativity, love, and unwavering devotion to those he held dear.

There is no service planned at this time. In lieu of flowers, Carolyn and the kids request any donations be made to the Father Fred Foundation in honor of Gerry's memory.

Please visit www.lifestorytc.com to share your thoughts and more.