Date of Death: February 14, 2021
Service Details
Visitation will be held Thursday, February 18, 2021 from 4:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. at Hohner Funeral Home, 1004 Arnold St., Three Rivers. A time of reflection on Jay’s life will follow at 7:00 p.m. with Pastor Derl Keefer officiating.
A private viewing will be held at Hogenkamp Funeral Home in Minster, Ohio on Saturday, February 20, 2021. A mass will follow at St. Augustine Catholic Church; interment will be in St. Augustine Cemetery.
Obituary Notice
Jay Melvin Woehrmyer, 68, of Three Rivers, passed away Sunday, February 14, 2021 at Bronson Methodist Hospital, Kalamazoo, Michigan.
He was born March 2, 1952 in Coldwater, Ohio, the son of Melvin and Vera (Puthoff) Woehrmyer.
In the 1980s, food industry management brought Jay to Michigan. He was the regional director for Wendy’s in southwestern Michigan, owned Carter’s Corner Store for 15 years, and owned Frankie’s by the Tracks for 15 years. After retirement, he worked for the St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department.
In 1986, he married Debbie Arevalo. After raising their four daughters, they created The Woehrmyer Homestead on two little acres, where they hosted Wild Woehrmyer Weekends with their children, grandchildren, and Mark Lillywhite. They enjoyed nothing more than spending time and laughing with their family. With strong faith the couple attended Center Park United Methodist Church.
Jay was known for his infectious laughter, contagious smile, and a kind heart. He enjoyed making people laugh with his infamous pranks. He also enjoyed beating people at cards and golfing. With Debbie, he worked on many house projects at the homestead, transforming the house into their forever home. Family meant everything to Jay.
Remaining to cherish his memory are his wife, Debbie; daughters, Jodi (Greg) Musser, Angela (Eddie) Gaines, Nicole (Michael) Oswald and Jessica (Charles) Morin; grandchildren, Brooke, Christian, Mackenzi (Taylor), Hunter, Brady, Declan, Colin, Brayden, Grace, Gwen, Bronson, Vera, Jay, and Mya; great-grandchild, Raegen; sister, Judith (Larry Baker) Heitkamp, sister, Dianne (Ned) Sielschott, brother, Ken (Debbie) Woehrmyer, sister, Sue (Jim) Christian and brother, Bill (Donna) Woehrmyer. Surviving in-laws include James and Betty Arevalo and numerous loved nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Melvin and Vera Woehrmyer and brother-in-law, Larry Heitkamp.
Additional Information
Donations in Jay’s memory may be directed to the family c/o Debbie Woehrmyer. Envelopes are available at Hohner Funeral Home and may be sent to the funeral home in care of Jay’s arrangements.
Please Leave Your Condolences
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I remember when Jay owned Carter’s Corner Store. He was always fun to talk to and when ever I needed a hand with something Jay was there to help. I still go to that store even to this day and find myself remembering him and some times looking for him to be there. Thank you for everything you’ve done for me Jay. See ya when I get called home.
Deb was a classmate of mine at Mendon High School. I didn’t have the pleasure of knowing Jay, but being with Deb, he had to be a great man! My thoughts and prayers are with her and her family.
So sorry to see this, I remember Jay from working at Carters Corner. He was a great guy.
Ruth and I will greatly miss Jaybird. He and I had hilarious fishing trips to Lake Michigan. Harry always outfished us! Our golfing foursome was great fun. Jay always had trouble with the golf carts. One time he ended up in the pond. Another time he missed going into the river thanks to a well placed tree! The laughs went on and on!What a great guy! Sincere condolences to Deb and the family.
I didn’t realize Jay had such an interesting work life before retiring and working for the Sheriff’s Department! He was so humble and kind, but could also instill fear in any unruly inmates when needed. I always felt safe when Jay was the bailiff, and he also had a way of knowing when an inmate needed some grace and understanding. He was a unique individual, and will be sorely missed.
So sorry for your loss. He was an amazing man who put faith and family first. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Our condolences at this time of loss. May the love and comfort of family and friends give you strength during this trying time.
Jay was an amazing man, loving husband, grandfather , uncle, and great grandfather as well as a wonderful friend…anyone meeting Jay was an honor to have known him…may the wonderful,, loving memories sustain his family and loved ones…he will truly be missed by all of us!
Our thoughts and love are with you all. His love for all of you will always be in your hearts. Jay was one of a kind who always made a smile light up the world around him. Mary K & Andy
We were neighbors of Jay and Debbie fir five years but will never forget the great memories of him. Playing cards, fire pit, backyard games and shenanegans! Keeping his family in our prayers. The Wislers.
Rest in peace, Jay. Condolences to your loved ones. May they be comforted by caring family near and far. Love and peace.
I cannot imagine the pain that you are going through just rest assured in knowing there is an guardian angel watching over this wonderful family.
My deepest sympathy.
We are so sorry to hear this news. I worked for Jay and Deb when they owned the little neighborhood country store that was Carters. He loved everyday and ALWAYS had a smile on his face. You had to stay on your toes with Jay, as he was very quick witted, which made working for him all the more fun!! To Debbie and the entire Woehrmyer family…we pray for God’s strength to comfort and guide you through this heartbreaking time. HUGS and LOVE!!