Dr. Jerry Evans

Dr. Jerry Evans

Traverse City, Michigan

Formerly of Saginaw

Dr. Jerry Joe Evans passed away peacefully amidst family on Tuesday morning, October 21, 2025, at the age of 88 years. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, George and Marion Evans and his sister, JoAnne Pavolsky (Dick).

Jerry is survived and will be dearly missed by his beloved wife, Barbara (Wellman), of 41 years; and his children Jeffrey Evans (Cathy), Gregory Evans (Ravina), Jennifer Evans (Henrik), Kimberly Gorsline (Gregory), Michelle Kristalyn (William), Janelle Montroy (Andrew). He is remembered fondly by his grandchildren, Zachary (Morgan), Shannon, Selena, Isabel, Gregory (Sierra), Brooke, Jordan, William, Benton, David, Evelyn, Joseph, George, and Charlie, and a great grandson on the way. Jerry also is survived by many nieces and nephews, brother-in-laws and sister-in laws.

Jerry was born on July 23, 1937, in Hammond, Indiana. He graduated valedictorian from Morton High school. He attended DePauw University for undergraduate studies and Northwestern University for medical school. He was board certified in both pediatrics and neonatology. He served his residency in Boston, MA. Jerry served for nine years in the U.S. Navy including three years in Naples, Italy. Upon leaving the Navy, he settled in Saginaw, Michigan and began his own private pediatric practice, Partners in Pediatrics, where he served the families of Saginaw for over 40 years. Not only did Jerry serve as a pediatrician, but also as a neonatologist, spending many a night in Saginaw’s area hospitals taking care of the smallest of the small babies as they joined our vibrant world. Jerry was a pillar of the Saginaw community and actively involved in several community projects. Eventually, he joined St. Stephen (now St. Dominic) Parish and was an active member of that community as well.

He “semi-retired” in Traverse City, Michigan and lived there for nearly 20 years, becoming an active member of Christ the King Parish and a Knight of Columbus. Because doctors “never retire,” he worked as part of the Social Security Disability office up until the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, when he was finally able to take it easy on South Padre Island, Texas- enjoying morning runs, swims and the beautiful tropical weather. Among other hobbies, travel was always a large part of his life. He and Barb were able to visit many countries including Australia, Japan, China, Russia, and Poland (just to name a few). He visited Ireland every other year as an active member of the Irish American Pediatric Society.

Jerry was an incredibly generous and a patient man. Without many words, if he believed in a cause, he was there to support it. He gave his working life to provide for children’s needs, often among families with many complicated needs. He would say, “I became a doctor to help the sick, not to take care of the well.” He was named Pediatrician of the Year numerous times due to his dedicated service.

He was a wonderful father to six, rarely missing a sports game or an opportunity to play basketball or a game of “horse” on the garage basketball hoop. As grandpa, he deeply enjoyed time with his grandchildren, playing “fisherman” in the pool, or just being a little bit silly. He had a wonderful, dry sense of humor and almost always had a smile or amused comment.

Funeral Service will take place on October 24, 2025, at St Dominic Parish, 2711 Mackinaw St. Saginaw, Michigan at 11:00 a.m. with Fr John Richard and Fr. Steve Gavit officiating. Committal will follow at St. Andrew Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family on Thursday October 23, from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Cederberg-Brietzke Funeral Home, 403 N. Michigan Ave, Saginaw, MI. The rosary will be recited Thursday evening at approximately 7 p.m., and visitation will continue on Friday at the church from 9:00 a.m. until time of service.

 In lieu of flowers, please consider having a mass said for the eternal rest of Jerry’s soul.  (https://franciscanmissions.org/catholic-mass-intentions).

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