Gerald W. Kage (Jerry), 73, of West Columbia, SC, passed away on September 25, 2020, after a long illness.
Gerald was born in Albion, NY, to Herman and Geraldine Kage on December 14, 1946. His early childhood was spent living at the Black North (formerly the Cottage Hotel) in Point Breeze, as his grandparents were owners/proprietors of the family business. The family moved to North Tonawanda, NY, for twelve years before a moving back to a farm in Lyndonville, NY. He attended LA Webber High School, donning number 42 on both his football and basketball jerseys and graduated in 1966. Athletics proved to be a life-long passion as he became a teacher of Physical Education after graduating from Quincy College in 1969.
Gerald married Suzanne Kempf on August 15, 1970 in Evergreen Park, IL, and together they raised their two children, Jeffrey and Tracy in Holley, NY.
His professional career took him to Holley Jr/Sr High School where he taught for thirty-two years, seventeen of which were spent coaching. In 1978, Gerald was named Section V Coach of the Year and officially put the Holley Varsity Boys’ Soccer team on the map. He achieved his 100th career win over LeRoy on September 10, 1982.
Gerald was an active member of NYS Teacher’s Union and part of a negotiating team that brought about many changes for the Teachers of the district, which was one of his proudest achievements.
He was an avid hunter and fisherman, enjoyed golf, possessed amazing talents in the kitchen, and above all was passionate about car racing. He achieved his retirement goal of settling on a beautiful lake and spending quality time fishing and gardening.
Gerald is preceded in death by his father, Herman Kage, mother, Geraldine (Hamman) Kage, and brother Harvey Kage.
Gerald is survived by his wife of fifty years, Suzanne (Kempf) Kage, children, Jeffrey Kage (Cindy), Tracy Kage Johnson (Randy); siblings, Mary Kage Francis (Robert), John Kage (Ellie), Susan Kage Edmiston, Joseph Kage (Kim), Katherine Kage, and Peter Kage; grandchildren, Cameron Kage, Dylan Kage, Preston Kage, Owen Johnson; great grandson, Lochlan Kage; and his beloved dog Clark.
The family wishes to extend our sincere gratitude to the staff and management of NHC of Lexington, SC for all of their loving care and friendship during Jerry’s extended illness.
A memorial service and interment will take place in Lynhaven Cemetery in Lyndonville, NY, at a later date.
Memorials may be made to the Holley Teachers’ Association Scholarship Fund, 3800 N. Main St. Rd., Holley, NY 14470.
