Jerry J Zorger

Jerry J Zorger, 78, of Columbia City, IN passed away at 12:20 a.m. Saturday, April 19, 2014 at his home.Born on August 30, 1935 in Allen County, he was the son of Dewey Zorger and Bessie (Stouder) Zorger.

He has lived in Allen and Whitley Counties and since 1959 at present farm in Thorncreek Township.He graduated from Jefferson Center High School with the Class of 1953.There he enjoyed competing in sport and played basketball all four years. During his Junior and Seniorsummer, Jerry worked at the coil factory in Roanoke. It was there where he would meet his future wife. On June 25, 1955 he married Jean Hinen at St. Catherines Catholic Church, Nix Settlement.Along with being a general farmer his entire lifetime, Jerry also worked at Dana Corporation in Fort Wayne, retiring 21 years ago as a Machine Operator. He was a member of St. Paul of the Cross Catholic Church and their softball team until age 50 and Eagles Lodge #1906.

He watched and followed all sports, especially basketball and football. Jerry enjoyed dancing, playing bid euchre with his family, fishing, coon hunting, and frog spearing. Most of all, he loved spending time with his grandchildren and great-granddaughters. He had a great sense of humor and loved playing jokes and pranking his friends and family.

Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Jean Zorger; daughters, Vicki Wolf of Columbia City and Tam (Scott) Downing-Snyder of Columbia City; sons, Rick (Kathy) Zorger of Columbia City and Rod (Jenny) Zorger of Columbia City; brothers, Norman (Gloria) Zorger of Spencerville, Keith (Donna) Zorger of Spencerville and Lyle Zorger of Fort Wayne; twin sister, Jean (Earl) Auld of Auburn, IN; nine grandchildren and three great-granddaughters.He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Lavern, Marvin, and his 10 year old brother, Kenny; and son-in-laws, Gary Wolf and Mark Downing.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 22, 2014 from 2 to 8 p.m. with a Rosary starting the visitation at 2 at DeMoney-Grimes, a Life Story Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 23, 2014 at St. Paul of the Cross Catholic Church, 315 S Line St, Columbia City with a gathering one hour prior. Father Gary Sigler officiating. Burial will follow at Greenhill Cemetery.Memorial gifts may be given in Jerrys memory to Masses or Heartland Hospice.