Gerald Woodbury

Gerald C. Woodbury, 96, of St. Johns, MI, passed away Wednesday, March 24, 2021.

A Graveside Service will be held at Mt. Rest Cemetery, St. Johns on Tuesday, March 30, 2021 at 11:00 A.M., with Chaplain Steve Ezop officiating.  The service will be available for viewing at the Smith Family Funeral Homes' Facebook page.

Gerald was born in St. Johns, MI on August 21, 1924, the son of Charley and Lula (Ritter) Woodbury. He graduated from Rodney B. Wilson High School with the class of 1942.

Gerald proudly served his country in the United States Army as a Sgt in WWII. He was in the first wave that landed at Omaha Beach on D-Day. During the Northern France Campaign, he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal "for diverting enemy fire upon himself so that his patrol could accomplish its mission". In December of 1944, he was wounded during the Battle of the Bulge.

On September 6, 1947, Gerald married Alma Bozung at Church of the Resurrection in Lansing. They were blessed with 63 years of marriage prior to her passing on May 30, 2011.

Gerald used the G.I. Bill to get his Electrician Certification. He was a Master Electrician for Sealed Power for 30 years. He also owned and operated Woodbury Electric for many years.

Gerald is survived by his children: Ellen (Charles) Perry of St. Johns, Mark (Teresita) Woodbury of St. Johns, Janeen Woodbury (William Linak) of Raleigh, NC, Patricia (Darrell) Beck of St. Johns, Eric (Cynthia) Woodbury of High Point, NC, and Christine (Jeff) Pioszak of Williamston. He is also survived by 14 grandchildren: Melissa Mesh, Brandon Mesh, Rachelle Smith, Rebecca Herrick, Cassandra Herrick, Marites Woodbury, Maggie Linak, Scott Linak, Drew Beck, Timothy Beck, Hannah Woodbury, Christian Woodbury, Spencer Pioszak and Connor Pioszak, 14 great-grandchildren, siblings: Marilyn (Hub) Waite, Chan Woodbury and Linda Wieber; and many nieces and nephews.  Gerald was preceded in death by his parents, wife Alma, infant son Jeffrey, 3 brothers: Vern, Norman and Alan Woodbury; and sister Marge Ozanich.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Briggs District Library (108 E. Railroad St., St. Johns, MI 48879). Online condolences may be made at www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes - Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, MI.