Jerry Lee Sprunger

Jerry Lee Sprunger went to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday August 30, 2024. Jerry was born on March 13, 1935 to the late Leslie and Osie (Heistand) Sprunger. He married Norma Sue Calhoun, from Kaufman, Texas, on August 21, 1960 at First Missionary Church in Berne, Indiana. Together they have 3 children, Rex (Loralee) Sprunger of Boerne, Texas, Rhea Ann (Chris) Yoder and Gwen (John) Hewitt of Berne, Indiana. They have 6 Grandchildren: Eric (Kelsey) Sprunger and Matthew (Abby) Sprunger of Houston, Texas, Michael (Lindsay) Yoder of South Bend, Indiana, Holly (Addison) Lofton of Berne, Indiana, Courtney (Austin) Givens of Daejeon, South Korea, and Abbey (Zach) Morgan of Berne, Indiana. They have also been blessed with 6 Great Grandchildren: Ben and Maddie Sprunger of Houston, Texas, Max Yoder of South Bend, Indiana, Reagan and Tucker Lofton and Magnolia Morgan of Berne, Indiana. All of whom survive.

Jerry is also survived by his sister Janean (the late Millard) Moser of Berne, Indiana and brother Jim (Becky) Sprunger of Bluffton, Ohio, along with many nieces and nephews and Great nieces and nephews.

Jerry graduated from Berne French Township High School where he excelled in Academics and Athletics. He continued his baseball career at Ball State Teachers College where he graduated with a degree in Elementary Education. He went on to get his Masters Degree from Ball State.  He began his teaching career at Berne Elementary School as a 5th grade teacher and later became Elementary School Principal where he served for 40 years. Jerry not only taught in the school system but also taught Sunday School for 50 years at First Missionary Church. He taught Junior High boys before moving into teaching in the Older Generation class. He served on the church board and also sang in the church choir.

Besides being active in the church, Jerry was also very active in the community. He was part of the Berne Jaycees, The Berne Rotary club, and served on the Berne Pool and Park Boards. He also managed the Berne Pool and Lehman Park for many years. Additionally, he was a member of the Berne City Council and Berne Library Board. Because of his service to the community, Jerry was awarded the distinguished Sagamore of the Wabash Award by Governor O’Bannon in 1997.

Jerry was known around Berne for his love of ice cream, flowers, working outdoors, boating with friends and family, scooter rides and mostly his love for children. His smile was the biggest when he was with his Great Grandchildren. He was beloved by his family, friends, church, community and all who knew him.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 4:00 p.m. Saturday, September 7, 2024, at the First Missionary Church with Pastor Rick Schwartz and Pastor Mike Wertenberger officiating.

A visitation is from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. Friday, September 6, 2024, at the Swiss Village Chapel and one hour prior to the service at the church.

Preferred Memorials are to Swiss Village or a Charity of your choosing.

Arrangements by Zwick & Jahn Funeral Homes, Yager-Kirchhofer Chapel of Berne, Indiana