Jerry R. Stowers

Jerald “Jerry” R. Stowers, 65, entered the gates of heaven after wrestling with Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s Diseases on January 20, 2011. He was surrounded by, many family and friends at his home during his last days.

His parents, Max and Lurretta (Harrington) Stowers welcomed his arrival on March 6, 1945 at Jasper County Hospital.  He graduated from Fair Oaks High School in 1964, later became, certified as an Executive Housekeeper from Ivy Tech.  On February 22, 1969, he married his high school sweetheart, Merrie Etta (Williams) Stowers.

Beginning in 1972, he became, the Director of Environmental Services at Jasper County Hospital and later the Laundry Department also.  He was a member, and held several leadership positions in the International Executive Housekeeping Association.  In April of 2004, he retired due to failing health.

Jerry led a very active and purposeful life. He served in the Indiana National Guard for 6 years, where he learned to cook.  He was a lifelong member of the Brushwood United Methodist Church where he was a previous Lay Leader and served on several committees, including Trustees, Worship, and Welcoming.  He started the United Methodist Men organization, at Brushwood and enjoyed cooking at church functions.  Jerry spread the Good News locally with The Gideon’s International, serving in leadership roles.  He was also active in the Walk to Emmaus community, spiritual renewal program.  He enjoyed participating in the Rensselaer Lions Club and the Parkinson’s disease support group.   Jerry enjoyed cooking, landscaping, bird watching, and planting trees.  He stated the recycling program at Jasper County Hospital.  He loved his one and only granddaughter, Mandolyn, with all his heart.

To know Jerry was to love him. He loved to give people a hard time but also sensitive to other’s needs.   He was well known at work for going out of his way to lend a hand.

He will always be remembered by his wife of nearly 42 years, Merrie Etta, Rensselaer; his son Jason, Rensselaer; daughter: Molly, son-in-law: John Loveland and granddaughter Mandolyn Loveland, Wheatfield; father Max Stowers, Rensselaer; sisters: Barbara (Dale) Streitmatter, Rensselaer; Maxine (Larry) Pass, Hebron; Janet (Louis) Dumas, Fair Oaks; Phillis (Harry, Jr.) Britt, Rensselaer; Ruth Ann (Ronald) Niketh, McKinney, TX; brother Manly (Joy) Stowers, Rensselaer and many nieces and nephews.

Jerry will be again meeting his mother, Lurretta and lifelong best friend, Ron Kohlhagen, upon entering eternity.

The family looks forward to seeing friends and family at the Brushwood United Methodist Church, located on US HWY 231 North of Rensselaer, on Saturday January 22, from 10 AM CST to 2 PM CST with a celebration of Life Service following at 2 PM CST, Pastor Darren Williams officiating.

In lieu of flowers, friends may forward their gifts to causes Jerry was passionate about: the Brushwood United Methodist Church Education and Mission Funds, The Gideon’s International, the Jasper County Hospital Construction Fund, the Jasper County Hospital Home Health Care and Hospice Fund, and the Comprehensive Developmental Center (CDC).

Boersma Funeral Home of Wheatfield is handling the arrangements.