Gerald “Jerry” Jerger, 84, of Washington, Indiana passed away peacefully on August 2, 2026 surrounded by family at home after a battle with pancreatic cancer. He was born to Theodore and Margaret Doyle Jerger in Washington, Indiana on July 29, 1942. He was raised on the family farm where he developed a strong work ethic, deep faith and love of agriculture that would define his life. He attended St. Mary’s Catholic Church and was a 1961 graduate of Washington Catholic High School. He served in the National Guard and worked at McCord Corporation until 1975 and then he began farming full-time. In 1971, he married Norma Schipp and they built a life together, sharing 55 years of marriage while farming north of Washington.

Jerry also was a meter reader for Daviess-Martin REMC. He was a devoted parishioner, volunteering at Washington Catholic fish fries and at summer socials and was a faithful member of Our Lady of Hope Catholic Church. Retirement gave Jerry more time to enjoy life’s simple pleasures. He looked forward to daily walks around the lake at Eastside Park, traveling with Norma and spending time with his family. He enjoyed a family cruise to the Bahamas in January 2026 with all of his children and their families. Nothing brought him greater joy than watching his grandchildren’s sports, seeing their 4-H exhibits, or simply gathering as a family. Jerry’s greatest loves were God, his family and the farm. He led with quiet strength, integrity and humility, instilling in his children and grandchildren the values of hard work, honesty and service through the example of his own life. His steady presence, sense of humor and unconditional love will be deeply missed by those who knew him.

He is preceded in death by his parents, brother, Donald Jerger, sister, Marietta Hildenbrand and brothers-in-law Bill Nussel and Kenny Alvey.

Jerry is survived by his beloved wife, Norma; his children Lisa Ferguson of Terre Haute, Kathryn (Jon) Koral of Chesterfield, MO and Jeremy (Jennifer) Jerger of Washington; grandchildren Courtney (Gregory) Dodd, Kristen Ferguson, Lindsey (Caden) Graber, Kylie Ferguson, Audrey Jerger, Kelsey Jerger, Greta Koral, Shaylee Jerger and Jack Koral; and his cherished great-granddaughter, Sophia Dodd.

He is also survived by his siblings, Ann Nussel, Janet (Steve) Barnum, Rita (Tom) Palmer, Helen Alvey and Earl (Margie) Jerger; his sister-in-law, Mary Lou Deeg; his brother-in-law. Louis Hildenbrand; and many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Memorial contributions can be made to Washington Catholic School Endowment or St Vincent de Paul Society of Washington.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on August 7, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Hope Catholic Church with Father Paul Ferguson serving as celebrant. Visitation will be held at Ed L. Lee Mortuary on Thursday, August 6, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., and on Friday, August 7, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. until 9:30 a.m.

Burial will follow at St. John Cemetery.