Gerald Gene Fahner
Gerald Gene Fahner was a lifelong educator, student, naturalist, explorer and innovator. Affectionately known as Jerry to friends and family, he passed away peacefully at home in Dimondale, Michigan, on August 19, 2026. Born on December 27, 1946, in Howard City, Michigan, Jerry was raised on a family farm by his parents, Frederick and Arlene Fahner, alongside his sister, Karen.
Jerry began his education in the one-room Maple Hill schoolhouse in rural Pierson, Michigan. In 1965, he graduated as salutatorian of his class at Tri-County High School in Howard City, Michigan. He went on to attend Michigan State University, earning his bachelor’s and master’s degrees. For 33.5 years, Jerry taught high school math, chemistry, physical science and computer science at Eaton Rapids Public Schools.
Jerry’s life was centered around his beloved wife of 53 years, Nancy, his close-knit family, and his faith. He fully enjoyed the beautiful Dimondale property with pond and woods that he and Nancy developed into a sanctuary over their 40 years at home.
Jerry’s faith was the compass for his life. He served as the Pastor Parish Relations Committee Chair of the United Methodist Church in Eaton Rapids for five years. He was also a member of the Men’s Bible Study group and volunteered regularly to support the church’s many social events and outreach activities.
Jerry had a wide range of meaningful interests and a deep appreciation for nature. He loved the changing seasons, farming, gardening, hunting, fishing, making maple syrup, skiing, and camping with his family. He also enjoyed 3-D printing, welding, cooking, woodworking, and was an avid reader and technology enthusiast. He enjoyed the challenges of figuring out how to design, fix, build, modify, improve, or restore products or processes.
Jerry also loved driving and traveling. He began driving tractors at the age of four, and moved on to go-karts, sports cars, small planes, motorcycles, boats, large tractors, and motor homes. During summers, the family camped across most of the fifty states and into Canada. Jerry and Nancy enjoyed extensive travel throughout European countries, with his favorites being Germany, Switzerland, and Spain. Some of Jerry’s most memorable trips included exploring new adventures with his children and grandchildren.
In addition to Nancy, Jerry is survived by his daughter, Dr. Jennifer (Peter) Di Rocco of Kailua, Hawaii; his son, Matthew (Tracy) Fahner of Belmont, Michigan; and his two beloved grandchildren, Mason Di Rocco, 12, and Nora Di Rocco, 10. Other family members include his sisters-in-law, Judy Post of Kentucky, Faye (Michael) Miles of Grand Rapids; Mary Kay (Frank) Schultz of Sturgis; brothers-in-law Richard Ridderman of Indiana and Ronald (Mary) Doe of Ohio, and many treasured nieces, nephews and lifelong friends.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Frederick and Arlene Fahner; his father and mother-in-law, Richard and Ailene Doe; and his sister, Karen Ridderman.
A memorial service will be held at the First United Methodist Church of Eaton Rapids, 600 S. Main Street, Eaton Rapids at 11 am on Monday, Oct. 5.
Visitation will be held at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel at 518 Street in Eaton Rapids on Sunday, Oct. 4 from 4 to 7 p.m. and on Monday, Oct. 5 from 10 to 11 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church of Eaton Rapids.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Eaton Rapids United Methodist Church: Food Locker Program or to the Eaton Rapids Teen Space.
To leave condolences for the family, visit our website www.millsfuneral.com.