Gerald Leo Lunden, Sr.

Gerald Leo Lunden, Sr., of Livonia, Michigan, 72, passed away Wednesday, January 30, 2013, at St. Mary Mercy Hospital in Livonia, Michigan, of complications from Parkinson's Disease. Jerry is survived by his loving wife Darlene Kay, his son Jerry (Sandy) Lunden, his daughter Lisa (Dean) Norton, by his grandchildren Connor and Mikayla, and by his sister Carol Stevens; and many wonderful brother- and sister-in-laws, nieces, nephews, and very supportive, loving friends. Jerry was born in Detroit, Michigan on November 25, 1940, the son of Vern Gunnar Lunden and Nellie Sylvia Hopponen. He grew up in Detroit and attended Cody High School. Jerry served in the U.S. Army's 508th Military Police Battalion, C Company, and was posted in Munich, Germany from 1960 to 1963. He served as an aide to Major General Paul A. Gavan, Commanding General of Southern Area Command. Jerry was honorably discharged in December, 1963. After his return from service in Europe, Jerry took a post with the Wayne County Sheriff's department, where he attained the rank of detective sergeant. He participated in the U.S. Attorney's organized crime taskforce for many years. He also served as assistant to then Sheriff Robert Ficano. Jerry was founder and president of Lunden Communications, focused on marketing strategy, communications, and direct mail for public and private institutions in Michigan. He would also turn his considerable creative energies to his hobby of painting still life, abstract, and portraiture; a pursuit which gave him great joy until his disease forced him to put down his pencils and brushes. Jerry also became a licensed private investigator and formed The Lunden Agency. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, February 5, 2013 at 12:00pm at the Holy Cross Lutheran Church 30650 Six Mile Rd, Livonia with visitation beginning at 11:00am until time of service. Friends may visit the Schrader-Howell Funeral Home 280 South Main St., Plymouth on Monday from 2:00pm until 9:00pm. Interment Parkview Memorial. Donations in Jerry's name can be made to: Grace Lutheran Church of Howell youth programming, or the Michigan Parkinson Foundation.