Gerald Barefield

Gerald “Jerry”  L. Barefield, 73, of Baroda Township, MI, passed away Tuesday, February 2, 2016 at Lakeland Reginal Medical Center in St. Joseph.  Per Jerry’s wishes, no services will be held and his body will be cremated.  Memorials may be made to The Baroda American Legion Post 345.  Those wishing to share a memory or sign Jerry’s guest book may do so online at www.starksmenchinger.com. Jerry was born January 20, 1943 in Niles, MI to Alton P. and Olive M (Bowes) Barefield.  He graduated from Berrien Springs High School in 1961 and then earned his Bachelor of Business Administration from Western Michigan University in 1966.  He also attended graduate school at both The College of William and Mary and Wayne State University. Jerry served as a member of the United States Army Reserves from 1967 to 1973. On November 20, 2001 he married the love of his life Holly Hanes in Las Vegas, NV. During his college years, Jerry worked for Clark Equipment Company and was promoted to Production Foreman after graduation.  He went on the work for Whirlpool Corporation for 3 years before a 10 year stint with Canonie Construction where he served as Vice President.  He also served as Vice President for Tabor Hill Winery, Digital Computer Service, Inc., and Patterson Printing Company as well as 8 years as President of Lakeshore Looseleaf Corporation. His most enjoyable and longest lasting job; however, was a Real Estate Broker with Olson Real Estate in Harbert, MI.  He enjoyed going to work every day and truly liked ‘putting together a Buyer and Seller’. One of his more challenging employments was as a federally appointed Federal Bankruptcy Trustee for the Western District of Michigan. A natural athlete, Jerry enjoyed many sports, but his true passion was being one with nature.  He was an avid sportsman, passionate about traditional bow hunting and lake fishing.  He was a member of the Pope and Young Club and shared his passion with his lifelong friends Phil Hecht, Rick Shunkwiler, Brad Wire, Jim Calderwood, Tom Fanning, and the late Tom Faulkner.  He was also a member of Baroda American Legion Post 345.  Jerry is survived by his beloved wife Holly of Baroda; his sister Carol Krueger of Stuart, FL; dear cousins/relatives in Canada, Colorado, and Alabama; and many beloved friends and colleagues in and about Berrien County.