Gerald Leo Sermersheim

 

Gerald Leo Sermersheim, known affectionately as Jerry, was born on March 1, 1942, in New Albany, Indiana, to Gerald Clement and Leola Ethel Forsyth Sermersheim. After courageously coping with Alzheimer's, Jerry passed away peacefully in his sleep on the morning of November 28, 2023. He was a beloved brother, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend who touched the lives of many with his warmth, wisdom, humor, and dedication. Jerry's cheery demeanor and fun wit were constants in his interactions, leaving an indelible mark of joy and laughter on everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Jerry spent his early years near the Ohio River until his family relocated to Provo, Utah, when he was 5. Eventually, they settled in Springville, Utah, where Jerry spent the rest of his life, forming lasting connections with the community.

On December 15, 1962, Jerry married Judy Lewis and they were later sealed in the Manti Temple. Together they raised five sons. Though their paths diverged, Jerry cherished the memories of their shared family life.

Later in life, Jerry found love and companionship with Susan Harmer whom he married on July 6, 1987, and then sealed in the Provo Temple. Susan brought five of her own children into Jerry's life, whom he adored and cared for deeply.

After Susan's passing, Jerry found happiness once again when he married Karen Johnson Breau on March 5, 2011, at the Mount Timpanogos Temple, and they shared a loving marriage until his passing.

Throughout his life, Jerry always had pets and children around him, and he loved caring for them. His home was filled with warmth, laughter, and the joy that comes from nurturing both furry and human companions. Jerry dedicated himself to supporting his children and grandchildren, never missing their sporting events, recitals, graduations, and every milestone that marked their growth. As a forever kid at heart, he had an insatiable love for ice cream, and built a tradition of making it for grandchildren visiting during the summer.

In service to his country, Jerry joined the Army Reserves with his lifelong buddy Larry Rowland and served with dedication at Ft. Lewis in Washington. His commitment to duty was a testament to his strong sense of responsibility and patriotic spirit.

Throughout his professional career, Jerry showcased his versatility working as a draftsman, chief draftsman, plant manager, designer and more in the steel fabrication and gun safe manufacturing industries.

Some of Jerry's greatest joys were his Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints callings where he served in bishoprics, elders quorum presidencies, as an ordinance worker, and his favorite being in the Young Men's organization where he served in many capacities, including years of service as a Boy Scout Scoutmaster. Embodying the motto of "be prepared," Jerry would later channel his passion into an online business specializing in emergency preparedness, leaving a lasting impact on those seeking to be ready for any situation.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, his second wife Susan Harmer Sermersheim, and his son Kyle Andrew Sermersheim. He is survived by his wife Karen Breau Sermersheim, his first wife, Judy Cole, his sister, Sue Masterson, his children from his first marriage: Todd  (Janalee) Sermersheim, James (Roni) Sermersheim, Steven Sermersheim, Michael (Mandy) Sermersheim, Susan’s children: Derrek Johnson, Chanin Johnson, Erika (Chris) Stover, Korby Johnson, Brandon (Abby) Johnson, 25 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren, who will continue to cherish his memory and carry forward the lessons of love, care, and service that he instilled in their lives.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate and dedicated caregivers at Heritage Gardens Assisted Living, whose unwavering support brought comfort to Jerry throughout his journey, as well as the kind members of the Belle Vie Hospice Team, whose care and assistance during his final days were deeply appreciated.

An evening viewing will be held on Friday, December 1, 2023, from 6-8 pm at Wheeler Mortuary, 211 East 200 South, Springville. Funeral services will be Saturday, December 2, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at the LDS Chapel located at 235 East 550 North, Springville, Utah, with a viewing held that morning from 9:30-10:30 am at the church prior to the services. Interment will be in the Springville Evergreen Cemetery with military rites.

May Jerry rest in eternal peace, and may his legacy of love, creativity, service, and caring continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to know him.

Condolences for the family may be expressed on this page.

 

For those unable to attend the services in person,  you may view them via YouTube Live beginning, Saturday December 2nd, at 11:00 a.m. at the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qXXVq9GIf9g