"Approximately one candle in this tribute."
In loving memory of
GERALD D. MOTTES
May 6, 1934 - December 16, 2020
A highly respected businessman and entrepreneur, Gerald "Jerry" Dean Mottes, 86, of Gwinn, Michigan, passed away on December 16th, 2020, at UP Health System - Marquette, surrounded by his loving family. A deeply caring and loving husband and father and community leader, Jerry was many things to many people. He was artistic, a problem solver, and had a strong work ethic. He was known for entertaining young children with magic tricks and card tricks at family gatherings. He understood the curious child's mind and was a wonderful father and teacher. Jerry was intrigued with beating the odds whether it involved investments or health issues. He studied areas of medicine from reading many books and articles and was considered the family doctor when one needed medical advice. He valued the good in others and encouraged others to have integrity and be honest. He was a supporter of second chances for all and spent his life cultivating the community he loved.
Jerry was born on May 6, 1934, in Stambaugh, Michigan, to Jack and Rose (Nardi) Mottes and raised by his Aunt and Uncle Antonette and Numzio DeAmicus following his mother's passing. After graduation from Alpha High School in 1952 where he served as class President, he attended Northern Michigan University where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Education and his master's degree in Administration and Industrial Education. Following graduation, he served as a Department Head and teacher in the Industrial Education Program and the Department Head of the Driver Education Program between 1959-1975. In 1970, he started Mottes Building Systems residential home construction and land development, which grew under his direction into a successful multi-million-dollar corporation specializing in retailing, residential home construction, commercial construction, land development as well as apartment rentals and leasing of commercial properties. Among his numerous business endeavors, he built and operated the Ace Hardware located in Gwinn, offering vital resources to contractors and residential customers for more than 28 years.
Several subdivisions and other new housing developments were made possible through his investment and drive to increase access to quality housing in the local community. These include Maple Hills Subdivision, Maple Wood Lane, Carpenter Lane, Mottes Lane, homes on County Road 557 as well as many other custom homes throughout Marquette County. He was also CEO of MBS Development Corp., offering building services across the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and D. G. Mottes, Inc., retail company, located in Phoenix, Arizona. Earlier in his career, he had also served as the CEO of both Larson Corp and Mid-Peninsula Homes.
In 1959, he married Mary Ann (Casagranda) Mottes and enjoyed 61 years together as their family and businesses grew. The foundation of his family, Jerry is survived by his devoted wife and business partner, Mary Ann; two daughters, Deborah (Tim) Goldsworthy and Deanna (Leon) Newbert; grandchildren Jared (KC) Mottes, Jason (Kelly) Mottes, Jesse Mottes, Rachael (Andrew) Polter, Jessica Goldsworthy, Leon Newbert, and Ryan Newbert; great grandchildren, Dean Michael Mottes, Willian Gerald Mottes, and Wesley Joe Mottes; and his brother Eugene (Carole) Mottes. He was preceeded in death by his son, Dean Mottes in 2013.
Committed to the economic development of the region, Jerry served as Director of the Gwinn State Savings Bank and a member of the Michigan Retail Hardware Association, National Chamber of Commerce, National Home Builders Association, Marquette County Builders' Exchange and Lion's International.
Visitation will be held at St. Anthony's Catholic Church from 11 am to noon on Monday, December 21st, 2020, followed by a Funeral Mass at noon with Rev. Allen P. Mott officiating. Interment at the Gwinn Cemetery will be announced at a later time.
Facemasks & social distancing will be required.
Donations in honor of Jerry may be made to the Forsyth Senior Center, PO Box 668, Gwinn, Michigan, 49841, and Gwinn Area Community Schools, PO Box 447, Gwinn, Michigan, 49841.
Canale-Gwinn Funeral Home and Cremation Services is assisting the family where memories of Jerry may be shared at www.canalefuneral.com
Tributes
"Mary Ann and family, sincere sympathy in Jerry?s passing. He sure had a busy and successful career and was always so up-beat, and positive and good for the Gwinn area."
"Sorry to hear of Mr. Mottes passing. My thoughts and prayers for the entire family. "
"You the best dad ever and still can't believe he is really dead ..What a wonderful man he really was ...Love Deanna.."
"We're very sorry to hear of Mr. Mottes passing, he was a great man to deal with and he did wonders for our community. Deepest sympathies to the entire family"
"My favorite moment with Jerry was the day we, Jerry, Maryanne and I had lunch at Mayo Clinic waiting for Dean. He and Maryanne shared stories about their childhood and how they met and got married. Very touching! Both Maryanne and Jerry loved Dean so much and their devotion was endless. GOD be with you Maryanne and you feel up to it, have an icecream social with Dean's boys in honor of and in memory of how much your dear son Dean loved you. You are in mine and Boston's prayers."