Jerry Nause

Gerald "Jerry" Duane Nause, also lovingly known as Papaw or Granddad, passed away surrounded by family who adored him on July 3, 2025. Born on January 3, 1944, in Mariemont, OH, Jerry was one of 12 siblings and lived a life defined by faith, family, hard work, and a whole lot of humor.
In 1969, Jerry founded Jerry's Welding, which later became Phoenix Industries & Apparatus, Inc. Through grit and skill, Jerry built something from the ground up - and could outwork just about anyone well into his later years. His hands, often busy with some tool, woodworking or gardening, were as strong as his work ethic and as crooked as the stories they told.
Jerry was married to Sandy for 63 years. Together, they built a life rich in adventure, fun, and legacy. He was endlessly proud of his children, Carl (Sheri) Nause and Debbie (Larry) Luschek, and his greatest joy came from his grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Korina (Eric) Bennett, Gerald (Tori) Nause, Mike (Alysa) Luschek, Lori Luschek, and great-grandkids Kason, Emmy, and Larry.
He could be no-nonsense when needed, but to know Jerry was to know the life of the party. He was infamous for his loud and unapologetic "Sooie!," his goofy antics like the "Piss-On-Ya Bird," and his showstopping country clogging to "Rocky Top" at weddings. One of our favorite memories is when in the 90s, he famously asked, "What the hell is email?" - a hilarious contrast to his later years, where he became tech-savvy enough to land in Facebook jail more than once.
Jerry could turn a block of wood into magic, a patch of soil into a vegetable garden, and any gathering into a good time. He loved woodworking, quiet days at the campground, animals, and he had a deep fondness for trains and travel. He lived hard, worked harder, and loved the hardest.
He believed in God, family, and hard work - and it showed in every part of his life.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Carl Joseph and Opal (Daye) Nause; his infant son Paul, his brother Joe Nause; his sisters Patty Nause and Angie Ferrell; his brother-in-law Dale Hildebrandt; and his special son-in-law, Larry Luschek. He is survived by his wife Sandy, his children and grandchildren, his great-grandchildren, the rest of his siblings: Charles, Barb, Margaret, Pam, Teri, Greg, Mick, and Alison, his sister and brother in-law Barb and Joe Witschger, as well as countless nieces, nephews, friends, and extended family who carry his spirit with them.
Jerry's crooked fingers might have pointed the wrong direction, but his heart always pointed true. If you ever had a bee sting, he'd offer tobacco to draw the venom. If you needed wisdom, he'd give it straight. And if you were at a party, you always hoped Jerry was there.
Jerry always said, he wouldn't trade one of his lives for two of yours. The things he experienced. The people he loved. Jerry was a man among men, and then some.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, July 10, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Evans Funeral Home - Milford. A funeral service will take place the next morning on Friday, July 11, 2025, at the same location. Burial will follow at the Holy Ghost Cemetery in Vera Cruz.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Jerry's memory to a charity of your choosing.