Mr. Jerry E. Lewis 73 of Rochester, was surrounded by his loving family when he passed away, at 12:50 p.m. August 17 , 2016 at Memorial Hospital of South Bend.

On December 8 , 1942 at home near Tiosa, Jerry Eugene was born.  He was the treasured son of Joe and Beatrice "Bea" Briney Lewis.  Growing up he shared his childhood with a sister Roxann and brother Ed.  During his high school years he starred on the Richland Center Wildcat basketball and track teams.  With uncanny leaping ability he specialized in the high jump, 180 low and 120 high hurdles.  During his senior year he shattered the 180 low hurdles school record, at a sizzling  :22.5. Jerry graduated in 1962 from Richland Center High School.  Following high school he  served our country with  the Indiana National Guard.

At Rochester's Trinity United Methodist Church, on January 30 , 1965,  Jerry married Judy Crabill.  They shared over 51 years of life's adventures.  From their union came two wonderful children, Jeff and Jennifer.  The family tree continued to grow with the added blessings of two grandchildren.

As an American sportsman, Jerry  made many memories with his family in the out of doors.  An avid fisherman, he could be spotted on the bank with his spinning rod in hand.  He and Judy enjoyed visiting Nevis during their annual Minnesota fishing trips. Once Ed joined Jerry for a trip to Minnesota's Spider Lake.  There were annual  trips to Canada where they caught the limit of Walleye, Northern Pike and blue gill.  Of course he kept his fishing skills honed locally at special ponds and lakes around the area.

With an appetite for adventure and the need to explore, Judy and Jerry enjoyed many camping expeditions in their motor home.  Over the years they toured  many locales.  In 2012 they traveled westward and made many memories visiting Yellowstone, Corn Palace, Crazy Horse and Mt. Rushmore.  Jerry enjoyed working with his hands.  He was talented and creative making homes for his domestic backyard birds.  He built shelves to display treasures, and a lighthouse.  For the grandchildren, Grandpa Jerry thoughtfully made them a variety of unique toys.

On duty for the daily neighborhood patrol, Jerry boarded his golf cart and cruised around checking everything out!  Inclement weather was never a problem for concern.  Jerry jumped on his 4-wheeler topped with an orange flag,  and  blade down to plow clear the drives of his friends and neighbors.

Plow Day was an annual event.   Seated behind the wheel of his John Deere 317,  Jerry gave it full throttle while enjoying the smell of the freshly turned soil.  He also looked forward to attending area tractor pulls.   At home, he and Jeff shared  great camaraderie and  an avid passion for target shooting.   They spent many hours perfecting their technique.

Left to cherish Jerry's memory are his wife,  Judy at home; daughter, Jennifer Lewis, son, Jeff E. Lewis and wife Jill; two grandchildren: Joseph Robert Lewis and Jordan Lynn Lewis; a sister Roxann Murphy and husband Marvin, all of Rochester; a brother, Edward Lewis and wife Betty of Twelve Mile; several nieces and nephews, including local residents Doug Lewis, Marcie Murphy, and Eric Murphy and wife Cassie; numerous  great nieces and great nephews;  3 sisters-in-law: Carole Hupf and husband Ray of Henderson, NV, Sharon Harried and husband Doug of Trenton, IL and Esther Crabill of Ft. Wayne.  Preceding Jerry in death are his parents, Joe and Bea Lewis, and his in-laws: Calvin Crabill, Marjorie Crabill Zeller and Lester Zeller.

Pastor Butch Troke will officiate services.