Gerald P. Grote

Gerald P. “Jerry” Grote, 84, of Decatur, Indiana passed away Tuesday afternoon, November 2, 2021, at his daughter’s residence.

He was born January 15, 1937 in Decatur, Indiana to Roland F. and Louise S. (Marbach) Grote.

Jerry retired with 25 years in the Indiana Air National Guard as Master Sergeant.

He was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Decatur.  He was also a charter member for 40 years of the Union Township Lions Club. Jerry was a past District 25B Governor and was a trustee of the Indiana Lion Cancer Control Fund Inc. for 22 years.

Jerry graduated from Decatur High School in 1955.  He completed a toolmaker apprenticeship program at International Harvester and retired from Harvester with 27 years of service.  Jerry was also the owner and operator of his own tool and die and laser engraving business, Imperial Systems in Decatur.

Jerry enjoyed traveling, camping and playing cards.

He is survived by sons, Fred (Jackie) Grote of Fort Wayne, Indiana and Gary (Deb) Marbach of Decatur, Indiana; daughters, Mary (Rick) Huss, Penny (David) Saunders, and Tina (Barry) Fairchild all of Decatur, Indiana; special friend, Doris Tenwalde of Ottawa, Ohio; 12 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.

Jerry was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Catie Huss; two grandsons, Nicholas and Keith Marbach; and two brothers, Ralph & Donald Grote.

Private family services will be held with burial at Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery.

The family requests that no floral arrangements or gifts be sent.

Arrangements by Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home in Decatur, Indiana.