Jerrold W. “Jerry” Hermann, 77, of Rochester, Ind., passed away unexpectedly at home on Saturday, April 12, 2014.

Born in Muskegon, Mich., on Oct. 14, 1936, Jerrold Wesley was the son of Fred Raymond and Gertrude Greendyke Hermann. As one of eight children, Jerry grew up with four sisters and three brothers. He graduated from Rochester High School in 1954.

In 1958 Jerry enlisted with the United States Army. He served three years, then was honorably discharged.

On Dec. 27, 1965, he was united in marriage with Donna Keim. Together they shared 48 years. They are covenant members of The Cross.

Jerry worked for Sealed Power as an engineering manager for 37 years. He later worked for AIRVAC for nine years, seven years as a field supervisor and two years as a fabrication shop supervisor. Talented with his hands, Jerry helped his father repair sewing machines. After the death of his father he maintained the sewing machine repair business. Area seamstresses relied on Jerry for over three and a half decades to keep their machines running full tilt with precision.

A connoisseur of the legendary Volkswagen motor cars. Jerry has owned nearly every model from the camper to the Beetle. Gifted with his abilities and knowledge of engines, he tore down an engine then re-assemble it. He purchased a Volkswagon with the dismantled engine in a box and reassembled it. Jerry was always at home in his woodworking shop, creating special custom gifts like recipe and treasure boxes using various species of wood. To relax he enjoyed reading, especially about history and the chronicles of National Geographic.

He is survived by his wife: Donna; four children: Carla (Ken) Smith, Argos, Ind.; Greg (Cathy) Lowe, Westfield; Megan (Jay) Teel, Mentone, Ind.; Jerrilyn Loper, Westfield; grandchildren: Mitchell (Julia) Richard, North Caroline; Arielle (Zack) Mally, Westfield; Hadley Lowe, Westfield; Thomas, Elizabeth and Samuel Teel, Mentone; Chelsea Jameson, Westfield, Trenton Jameson, Pennsylvania; Max and Kady Loper, Fulton; great-grandchildren: Duncan Mally and Bennett Richard; siblings: Fred Robert (Patty) Hermann, Del; Dr. Bruce (Deanne) Hermann, Florida; Bradley (Kaye) Hermann, Macy, Ind.; Diane Bathrick, Michigan; Sandra (Bob) Carpenter, Michigan; Marcia (Jerry) Behrens, Iowa; and Kristine (Larry) Mueller, Granger, Ind.

Pastor John Branch will officiate services. Burial will follow at Rochester’s IOOF Cemetery. Military rites will be accorded by the Fulton County Veteran’s Honor Guard and the U.S. Army Honor’s Team.

Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, April 16, at Good Family Funeral Home, Rochester and from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Thursday, April 17, at the funeral home with the service following at 10 a.m.