Gerald Rees

GERALD V. REES HOBART, IN

Gerald V. Rees, age 82, of Hobart, IN, passed away Wednesday, December 12, 2007 at VNA Hospice in Valparaiso, IN. He had been a Hobart resident most of his life. Jerry was a member of the Hobart High School Class of 1943-1944, graduating early to serve in WWII. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps 3rd Marine Division on Iwo Jima. He was a graduate of Indiana University and was the founder and CEO of Rees Funeral Homes for most of his adult life. Jerry was awarded the Sagamore of the Wabash by Governor Frank O'Bannon in 1997 for his philanthropic contributions. He served on the Board of Directors of Hobart Federal Savings and Loan retiring as Chariman of the Board. Jerry was past president of the Indiana Funeral Directors Association and served on its Board of Directors. He also served on the Board of Directors of the Hobart Family YMCA, the Hobart Chamber of Commerce and the American Red Cross. He was a lifelong member of St. Bridget Catholic Church and was a member of the Hobart Rotary Club, the USMC Howlin Mad Detachment, VFW Post 5365 and American Legion Post 54. Jerry is survived by his wife of 54 years, Mary Jane; three children: Jennifer (Tom) Rowe of Rapids City, IL, Patty Rees (Pat Romanchek) and John (Mara Hisiger) of Kona, HI; six grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and one sister, Johanna Rees of Stevensville, MI. He was preceded in death by his son, Stephen. Funeral services will be held Saturday, December 15, 2007 commencing at 9:30 a.m. at Rees Funeral Home, Hobart Chapel, proceeding to St. Bridget Catholic Church for a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. Rev. Dominic V. Bertino officiating. He will be laid to rest at Hobart Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday from 2:00-8:00 p.m. with VFW/American Legion/Howlin Mad service at 7:00 p.m. at Rees Funeral Home, Hobart Chapel, 600 W. Old Ridge Road, Hobart, IN. Memorial contributions are preferred to VNA Hospice of Valparaiso or St. Bridget Church. (219) 942-2109 or online at: www.reesfuneralhomes.com.