Obituary of Jerry Hunziker

Jerry Hunziker, 77, of Niles, passed away at Memorial Hospital in South Bend, Indiana on Friday, January 30, 2015 with his wife by his side. Jerry Hunziker was born in South Bend, Indiana on February 20, 1937, to Alexander and Dorothy Hunziker. Jerry was the middle child, sharing his childhood with his sister Mary and brother Jim. He was a graduate of Niles High School in Niles, Michigan. After high school, Jerry went to Michigan State University where he graduated in 1960 with a degree in Landscape Management and Horticulture. As a young man just out of college, patriotism beckoned him. Jerry answered the call of duty as he entered the U. S. Army. Upon receiving his honorable discharge from the Army at the rant of Sargent Jerry took a position in Delaware as a Landscape Designer. With the decision to return to his hometown of Niles Jerry went in to the family business assisting in management of the sale department. In 1971, with great enthusiasm, he purchased the company from his father and Uncle Harold Hunziker. The company grew by expanding its market in to commercial opportunities, one of the largest being the US 20 bypass. Under Jerry's direction, the company received the National Award for landscaping the commons area of Whirlpool in Benton Harbor. This honor was given to Jerry by Nancy Reagan in the Rose Garden of the White house. Many schools in the surrounding areas as well as many streets in Michiana have the plantings of a Hunziker's crewman. Jerry was a past member of the Niles Rotary, Michigan Association of Landscape Nurserymen, National Association of American Nurserymen and a lifetime member, for over 50 years, of the Elks Lodge. Jerry developed the love of fishing at a very early age, volunteering to do the dirty work on the boats, just for a chance to get some fishing in and to learn from the older guys. He enjoyed his fishing buddies greatly. Along with many friends he fished many waters, including Lake Michigan, the Keys of Florida and the Hawaiian Islands. Jerry is preceded in death by his parents, sister, Mary McCoy and Brother James "Jim" Hunziker. He is survived by his wife, Pamela; her children Rea Vinall of Niles and Dave (Alexis) Wallace of Floyds Knobs, Indiana; two grandsons Julius and Jaden Vinall; brother-in-law, Craig McCoy of Dowagiac and many extended family and friends. In keeping with Jerry's wishes he has been cremated. A visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 4, 2015 at Brown Funeral Home from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00. Those wishing to make a memorial donation in Jerry's name may do so to Fernwood Botanical Gardens located at 13988 Rangeline Road, Niles, Michigan 49120.