Jerald Stephens, 58 / Oct. 9, 1953 — Jan. 7, 2012

Published 11:08 pm Monday, January 9, 2012

Jerald Stephens, 58
Oct. 9, 1953 — Jan. 7, 2012

Jerald A. “Jerry” Stephens, 58, of Cook Street, Niles, died at 4:35 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 7, 2012, at

Stephens

Memorial Hospital, South Bend, following an extended illness. Jerry’s family is grateful to the physicians and staff of Michiana Hematology/Oncology for years of efforts against a challenging disease.

He was born Oct. 9, 1953, in Niles to John “Jack” and Rosalie (Knapp) Stephens and graduated from Niles High School. He served in the United States Army in Germany, returning as a Vietnam era veteran. He lived in Niles most of his life.

Jerry was a member of the Teamsters Union Local 364, South Bend, driving for several firms, including Hover, Central and Preston, and he retired from South Bend Terminal of USF/Holland.

He enjoyed roller-skating, mostly at Skate-A-Rama. He also enjoyed watersports at Barron Lake, including fishing, swimming and boating, and riding his motorcycle with fellow truck drivers. He was a former member of the American Legion Post 26, Niles, and the Loyal Order of the Moose 449, Buchanan. Most of all, he was devoted to his family as evidenced by taking his five grandchildren into his house to be raised by himself and his wife.

On June 10, 1972 in Niles, he married the former Cheri L. Cain, who survives. Also survived are their daughter, Sarah A. Stephens of Niles; grandchildren, Codie, Kailee, Brianna, Zachary and Michelle; his mother, Rosalie Stephens of Niles; Jerry’s sister, Peggy (Tim) Rhodes of Niles; and brothers, Jim (Linda) Stephens of Elkhart, Ind. and Joe Stephens of Elkhart; aunts, uncles and cousins; and a circle of friends, including Ed Collmer and his family.

He was preceded in death by a daughter, Amy Sue Stephens, who died Dec. 20, 2005; his father, Jack Stephens; and brother, John Stephens.

The funeral service for Jerry Stephens will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 11, at Hope Community Church, Niles, with the Rev. Rob McPherson of First United Methodist Church, Buchanan, officiating.

Interment will be at Mission Hills Memorial Gardens, Niles, and will conclude with full military rites by the U.S. Army Honor Guard and American Legion Post 51, Buchanan. The family will receive friends and relatives from 2 to 6 p.m. Tuesday at Halbritter Funeral Home, Niles. Contributions in memory of Jerry may be made to the donor’s choice.