Gerald C. Metzler, age 79, Great Lakes historian, Science teacher (Lakewood High School 1971-1998), and wrestling coach. Beloved husband of Lona (nee Dzialo). Dear brother of Suzy "Kate" Dupuis and Sarah Josef. For over 50 years, Jerry researched and created a comprehensive index of thousands of pre-1900 Great Lakes vessels. While diving on over 72 shipwrecks in Lake Erie and publishing a map, “Lake Erie Shipwrecks”, he devoted himself to vessel genealogy. His database is hosted by the Wisconsin Maritime Museum (www.greatlakesvessels.org). Additional consulting contributions to the nautical history of the Great Lakes include: “Michigan’s Nautical Time Capsules” exhibit for the Dossin Great Lakes Museum; WKYC-TV program “The Inland Sea Named Erie”; advised the Ohio Historical Society and the Department of Natural Resources regarding legislation to establish an underwater state park in Lake Erie; answered hundreds of requests from genealogists and institutions regarding shipwrecks; wrote a column called “Research Challenge” in a newsletter published by the Association for Great Lakes Maritime History; consulted with The Steamship Historical Society; the Department of the Army - Canal Park Museum; Michigan City Historical Society, Inc.; The Great Lakes Historical Society; and The Institute for Great Lakes Research (Bowling Green).