Jerry Willis Sliger, of Michigan, passed away on September 3, 2026, in Novi, Michigan. He was born on July 6, 1946, in Detroit, Michigan.

Jerry lived a life defined by dedication, service, and, most of all, love for his family.

From May 6, 1966, to May 1, 1972, Jerry proudly served in the United States Navy. During his service, he served aboard the USS Triton, USS Requin, and USS Halfbeak. He earned his Dolphins after learning and qualifying in all positions aboard a submarine, an accomplishment he was especially proud of. Jerry also served on the decommissioning crew of the USS Requin. A plaque honoring the crew can still be found aboard the submarine, which is now located at the Carnegie Science Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where visitors can tour the historic vessel.

Following his military service, Jerry continued his education and his passion for engineering. He earned an associate degree from Tennessee Tech, a bachelor's degree from Lawrence Technological University, and a master's degree from Central Michigan University. His master's thesis focused on ergonomics and carpal tunnel syndrome.

Jerry spent 35 years working as an automotive engineer at Detroit Diesel, where he worked on marine engines before retiring in 2002. He followed in the footsteps of both his father and his oldest brother, continuing a family connection to the company and to engineering.

Outside of work, Jerry enjoyed many things that brought him happiness throughout his life. He loved golf, reading, music, and bowling, including being part of a bowling league with his wife. He appreciated the simple pleasures of reading, learning, listening to music, and spending time with the people he loved.

But Jerry's greatest accomplishment and greatest source of pride was his family.

He was a devoted husband and a proud Papa to his four grandchildren: Kaleb Brabbs, Jaden Ostrander, Julian Brabbs, and Ethan Beattie. Each grandchild shared a special connection with him in their own way.

Jerry had an especially close bond with his only granddaughter. When her mother returned to work, Jerry became her babysitter, and she was forever known as Papa's Girl. That special relationship was one he treasured deeply.

He shared a military bond with his oldest grandson, Kaleb, when Kaleb joined the Army National Guard. With his middle grandson, Julian, Jerry shared a love of music—even when their musical tastes did not always agree. And with his youngest grandson, Ethan.

Jerry shared a passion for engineering, taking particular pride as Ethan began his engineering studies at Michigan State University in the fall of 2026. Jerry's love story was another treasured part of his life. He met the love of his life, JoAnn, in October 1972 at a birthday party. They went on their first date the very next night, beginning a beautiful journey that would become a 50-year marriage. In July 2026, their family gathered to celebrate both Jerry's 80th birthday and their 50th wedding anniversary, creating a special memory that will be cherished by the family forever.

Jerry is survived by his beloved wife, JoAnn Sliger; daughters, Auda Sliger and Jennifer Heckler; grandchildren, Kaleb Brabbs, Jaden Ostrander, Julian Brabbs, and Ethan Beattie; sister-in-law, Madeline Smith; brothers-in-law, Wallace Braley and Jeff Braley; nephews, Dean Sliger and Zackary Smith; and many other nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Samuel Sliger; mother, Auda Sliger; stepmother, Maureen Sliger; siblings, Jewell Sliger, Cecil Sliger, and Jimmie Sliger; and sisters-in-law, Vicky Mastantuono, Elaine Ward, and Eva Braley.

Jerry will be remembered as a proud Navy veteran, a dedicated engineer, a devoted husband, a loving father, and, above all, a beloved Papa. His legacy lives on in the family he cherished, the knowledge he shared, the careers he inspired, and the countless memories he created with those he loved.

He will be deeply missed and forever loved.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Jerry’s name to the Wounded Warrior Project.