Gerald Raymond Delancey

Gerald Raymond Delancey, 88, born August 2, 1937, in Traverse City, went home to be with the Lord on May 16, 2026. He was the son of Leroy and Alfreda (Bancroft) Delancey. Gerald grew up on the Delancey Farm, East of Kingsley and lived a life marked by hard work, faith, and devotion to family. On May 24, 1958, he married JoAnn Thompson at Tustin Baptist Church, and together they shared a lifelong commitment to family, faith, and caring for others. He worked in Midland doing concrete work, in Lake City on a dairy farm, and in Christmas trees before spending approximately 22 years at the Malleable Iron foundry. During those years, the family lived in Kingsley, where they farmed, raised their children, and began their foster care ministry. In 1971, the family moved to Cadillac. Gerald later worked at Tower Automotive in Traverse City for approximately 20 years, commuting from Cadillac, before retiring in 2002. Gerald and JoAnn devoted their lives to serving others through foster care and family support. He enjoyed restoring Oliver tractors, participating in the tractor club and the Buckley Old Engine Show, gardening, farming and spending time with family. He especially enjoyed bluegrass, gospel, hymns, and classic country music, as well as the ministry of Beulah Land, where his daughter Sharon was a member. He is survived by his wife, JoAnn; children Dale (Pat), Delancey Dave (Lisa) Delancey, Gary Delancey, and Sharon Delancey (Mark) Denslow; 11 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Gerald was preceded in death by his siblings: Merel Delancey, Anita Fasel, Theola Hilbert and Wilma Melendy. Gerald will be remembered for his strong work ethic, generous spirit, and unwavering faith in Jesus Christ. Funeral services will be 11:00 AM, Thursday, May 21, 2026 at First Baptist Church in Cadillac with Pastor Chad Zaucha and Pastor Bart Glupker officiating. Friends may meet the family Wednesday from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at the Peterson Funeral and Cremation Services in Cadillac. Burial will take place at Sherman Township Cemetery in Osceola County. In lieu of flower memorial contributions may be made to Cadillac Heritage Christian School. An online guestbook is available at www.petersonfh.com.

Gerald Raymond Delancey

August 2, 1937 - May 16, 2026