Gerald J. “Jerry” Pekkala, Dollar Bay

Gerald J. “Jerry” Pekkala, of Dollar Bay, passed away at U.P. Health System Portage Hospital in Hancock on Wednesday, July 22, 2026 following an apparent heart attack.

He was a son of the late Arvo and Sylvia Pekkala of Ripley and he graduated from Hancock High School in 1961. Jerry worked in the local lumber industry, first at Riippa Lumber and later retiring from Penegor Lumber Company.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Paul and a nephew Shane. He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Connie (Odgers) Pekkala, brother-in-law, Dale (Judy) Odgers a niece Becki (Kevin) Clouthier, Sr., and several cousins.

At the request of the deceased, there will be no visitation. Graveside services will be private.

Memorials in lieu of flowers may be directed to the Dollar Bay Fire Department First Responders in the name of Gerald Pekkala.

The O'Neill-Dennis Funeral Home of Hancock is assisting with the arrangements. Please leave online condolences, please go to www.oneilldennisfh.com.