Jerald Elbert Lounsbury

Our beloved Dr. Jerald (Jerry) Elbert Lounsbury at age 85, died peacefully at home on February 12, 2023. He was lovingly surrounded by family and friends in his last days of life. He was born as the first and only child to Charles and Veneda Lounsbury in Owosso Michigan on June 10, 1937. He met the gal who would capture his heart and wed her on September 14, 1957. They celebrated 60 years together until Alzheimer's took his beloved Esther Mae Lounsbury from him in 2017. He wed his current wife Renee Lee on February 02, 2020, during the twilight of his life. Two months into their marriage he would be diagnosed with a terminal illness of non-alcoholic cirrhosis of the liver. He was a 1957 alum and generous benefactor of Spring Arbor University in Spring Arbor Michigan. He and his first, late wife, Esther, created a scholarship foundation for students in Counseling. He completed three degrees from Michigan State University. He was proud to shout, "go green, go white". Jerry and Esther came to Mt. Pleasant Michigan in 1968, which remained his home until his death. He dedicated 35 years of his career to the students at Central Michigan University. He worked in the Financial Aid and Placement Offices. Jerry attended many athletic events and enjoyed cheering "Fire Up Chips". His love of students would become fine-tuned in his years as a licensed professional counselor, while he whistled his way, throughout Foust Hall. Upon his retirement from CMU in 2003, he maintained his professional license to continue counseling clients in his home. Jerry was a deep thinker, a philosopher, with a quick wit and engaged lifelong as a seeker of knowledge, wisdom, and truth. He was immensely respected by his peers, students and the community for his compassion and commitment to serving the lives of others' personal and spiritual needs. He exuded and proclaimed that Love is the heartbeat of all life. Jerry was deeply devoted to his Christian beliefs. He served faithfully as a founding elder at Mt. Pleasant Community Church from its inception. After many years of faithful service at MPCC he became instrumental in 2013 planting Thrive Church of Mt. Pleasant as a trusted and revered Shepherd. He was a mentor, trusted advisor, and an avid supporter as Emeritus Counselor and a generous benefactor at Mid-Michigan Counseling Services. Believing that life is sacred, he was a passionate and generous pro-life supporter of Life Choices of Central Michigan in protecting the life of the unborn. His life was a tribute to proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ supporting ministries abroad to teach and reach people in faraway lands. People of all ages, from many walks of life, would seek him out for his compassion and guidance. His lifetime was one of selfless sacrifice and service to all people. He was immensely respected by his family and friends, his peers, at CMU and the local community. He is survived by his wife, Renee Lee Lounsbury, daughter, Dawn (George); son, Jeff Lounsbury; and five grandchildren, Maris, Reed, Freya, Bante, and Tiblitz.  He was preceded in death by his parents Charles and Veneda Lounsbury and his first wife Esther Mae Lounsbury. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Christian Counseling of Mid Michigan or Life Choices of Central Michigan. Please join us for a celebration of life for Jerry on Saturday, February 25, 2023, 11am at Charles Lux Family Funeral Home, 2300 S. Lincoln Road in Mt. Pleasant. Visitation will be held on Friday, February 24, from 4 pm to 8 pm, and one hour prior to service.  Immediately following the service a luncheon for family will follow in the Lincoln Reception Hall, located next to funeral home. To sign the online guest book or leave a condolence for the family please visit www.CharlesRLux.com.