Gerald R. "Jerry" Wray

Gerald "Jerry" Robert Wray, 81, of Granger, Indiana, passed away on Tuesday, April 5, 2022, in St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. Jerry was born in South Bend on December 28, 1940, to the late Carl and Alice (McIntee) Wray. On July 30, 1966, Jerry married Linda Margaret Sneddon, who survives. He is survived by two daughters, Katherine Wiegand of Granger, Indiana, Sarah (Leon) Eck of South Bend, Indiana, four sons, Gerald (Sarah Anne) Wray of South Bend, Indiana, Daniel (Amy Murchison) Wray of South Bend, Indiana, Brian Wray of Menominee, Michigan, Nicholas Wray of Osceola, Indiana, fifteen grandchildren, Bridget Wray, Rachael Wray, Morgan VanOverberghe, Brittany Wray, Brian Wray, Samantha Wray, Maureen Wiegand, Margaret Wiegand, Elizabeth Wiegand, Daniel Wiegand, Patrick (Jana) Connors, James Eck, Matthew Eck, Thomas Eck and Quentin Eck, seven great-grandchildren, Jordan, Brayden, Maddilyne, Brianna, Zain, Aubrey and Ezra, one sister, Beth Ann (Joe) Portolese of Mishawaka, Indiana, one brother, Carl Edward (Rose Mary) Wray of Granger, Indiana, and one loving friend, Steve Wiegand. Jerry was also preceded in death by one brother, James Wray, one sister, Kathleen Lemme, and two daughters-in-law, Brenda Wray and Janet Wray.
Jerry, an Army veteran, served as a rifle team member under the special forces Colonel Kurtz. He worked for Indiana Bell for 26 years, followed by 20 years of service at The University of Notre Dame, from where he retired in 2011. Jerry married the love of his life, Linda, in 1966, and she remained his beloved for 56 years. Jerry enjoyed home improvement projects and tending to his yard and garden. An avid golfer, Jerry was a lifelong fan of the Cubs, Bears, Irish, and the St. Joseph High School Indians. Most importantly, Jerry was dedicated to his family and was happiest with Linda, surrounded by his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Kind and gentle, Jerry is remembered as a generous soul with the spirit of a saint.
On Sunday, April 10, 2022, a visitation will occur from 2:00 PM until 6:00 PM at the Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 N. Bendix Dr., South Bend, IN, with a rosary service to follow. A Mass of Christian Burial will occur at Holy Cross Church on Monday, April 11, 2022, at 11:00 am in Holy Cross Catholic Church. Cremation will follow. Memorial contributions in Jerry's honor may be made to The Christ Child Society of South Bend. Online condolences may be left at www.kaniewski.com