Gerald Sompels

Gerald Sompels, husband of Michele (Nowosad) Sompels passed away peacefully at Borgess Medical Center on January 7, 2011 with his family by his side. Jerry was born December 16, 1948 to Julius and Stella (Kushuba) Sompels in Flint, MI. He retired from H&R Block where he was the District Manager of Southwest Michigan. He also worked in offices in Flint and Muskegon. Jerry considered his children his greatest passion and was their coach for basketball (in Comstock); soccer (at River Oaks); baseball and softball (at Eastwood Little League and Gull Lake). Jerry loved playing golf, whether it was by himself; with friends; or just going to "hit a bucket of balls." Jerry is survived by his children Liberty (Andy) Torrence of DeWitt, MI; Bethany (Matt) Finnerty of Beverly Hills, MI; Jeremy of Comstock Park, MI; and Zachary at home. He also leaves behind his precious grandchildren; his best buddy Nathaniel Torrence; his "Princess" Macy Finnerty; and his "Cutie Pie" Madeline Torrence, along with two grandchildren to be born this summer. His sisters Sharon (Ron) Lavene; Debbie (Paul) Madura; and brother Ron (Cathy) Sompels; and many other relatives and friends. Jerry will forever be remembered for being a loving husband, father, grandfather, and for his wit and ability to make people smile. A memorial service will be held Tuesday, January 11, 2011 at St. Thomas More Catholic Parish, in Kalamazoo at 2:00 PM. Family will accept friends in the vestibule at 1:00 PM with a reception to follow.