Jerry Dale Roe

Jerry Roe was born in Havre, Montana in 1936, graduated from the College of Great Falls, and served in the Montana Air National Guard. In 1958, he moved to Washington, DC, to become Executive Director of the Young Republican National Federation, and was recruited by Michigan GOP Chairman Elly Peterson to Michigan. Known as the “P.T. Barnum of Michigan Politics,” he worked as an aide for Governor George Romney and Congressman Garry Brown. A close ally of Governor William Milliken, he was Executive Director of the state GOP from 1969-79.

History was Jerry’s passion. He was President of the Michigan Historical Commission, serving on the commission from 1972-1993. He was fascinated with the Civil War, Lewis & Clark, Route 66, national parks, and anything to do with Montana and Michigan history. In the 1980s, he founded “Montanans in Michigan,” one of his great passions, celebrating anyone with even the most tangential connection to his beloved “Big Sky Country.” In 1986, the Detroit News named him “Michiganian of the Year,” for helping “make living in this state a richer experience for the rest of us.”

Among his proudest achievements was engineering President Gerald Ford’s 1976 whistle stop train blitz through Michigan, helping Ford win the Michigan primary over Ronald Reagan. He was also state co-chairman for Senator John McCain’s surprise victory in the 2000 Michigan GOP primary over George Bush.

An infectious laugh with an interest in anyone from any walk of life, he was tireless in the promotion of the things he cared about, whether the political fortunes of his friends, or the preservation of history. Jerry put his passion for politics and history toward education, spending more than 30 years teaching government at Lansing Community College.

He leaves behind his former wife, Shirley, whom he remained close throughout their lives; his son Jason, who lives in San Diego with his wife and son; and his daughter, Samantha, who lives in Denver.

Jerry Roe got his money’s worth out of his 82 years with no regrets. He will be missed. As he would say, “Blue skies and happy trails.”

Memorial Services will be held in November.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Lewis & Clark Foundation, PO Box 398, Great Falls, MT 59403.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.grlansing.com.