Gerald Lawrence Riley, 61, of Edwardsburg, went home to Jesus on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, at Corewell Hospital in Niles, Michigan.
Gerald was born July 5, 1962 in Niles, Michigan to Donald and Elvira Riley, and attended Brandywine Community Schools. All his life, Gerald loved to fix things — if it had a motor, he could take it apart and make it better. The same goes for his relationship with loved ones; nothing made him happier than bringing a smile to someone else’s face. He loved the Fighting Irish, old Western movies, all kinds of sweets, and his church, Bethel Tabernacle in Niles.
Though he grew up in Niles and spent much of his life in Mishawaka and Elkhart, Edwardsburg became his home later in life, which was fitting considering how much he loved to be by the water. Most days, he could be found taking care of lawns on Eagle Lake — a boom box on the back of his tractor, a baseball cap on his head, and a goofy grin on his face. When he wasn’t mowing lawns or razzing friends and family, he typically had a fishing pole in his hands. His greatest joy throughout his cancer journey was escaping up north with his dear friend.
Gerald was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Donald Jr; three sisters, Eldonna, Mary and Sally; two nephews and one niece.
Gerald is survived by three children, Nolan Nickoson of Indianapolis, Ashley (Mark) Nicely of Elkhart, and Joshua Riley (Megan McAdams) of Goshen; the mother of his children, Ranae Myers of Elkhart; seven grandchildren, Cameron, Riley, Brooklynne, Morgan, Chloe, KayCee and Lakin; two sisters, LouAnn Miltenberger of South Bend, and Sandy (Floyd Brown) Neldon of Niles; six nieces; three nephews and a host of close friends who were like family.
Gerald will be laid to rest at Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles. A memorial service will be announced at a later date.
Those wishing to remember Gerald may contribute to his funeral expenses directly to Brown Funeral Home.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services.
Photos, condolences, and memories may be left for Gerald’s family at www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com
Posted On: Monday, April 29, 2024 3:31 PM
