Jerry Pearish

Jerry L. Pearish, a devoted man of faith and a pillar of his community, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, at the Center for Hospice Raclin House, surrounded by the love of his family. He was 79 years old. Born on February 5, 1946, in LaPorte to the late Leo and Vera (Metcalf) Pearish, Jerry was a lifelong resident of the Koontz Lake area. On July 24, 1965, he married the love of his life, Sue (Seese), in Koontz Lake. Together they recently celebrated 60 years of marriage, a union filled with faith, service, laughter, and deep love. Jerry was a retired purchasing agent from D.A. Dodd, where he worked diligently throughout his long and respected career. A man guided by faith and purpose, Jerry lived his life in service to others-through his church, community, and beyond. He was a faithful member of the Koontz Lake Missionary Church, where he served in numerous roles including as a church board member, usher, and as the head of the ushers and greeters for 11 years. Previously, he was also an active member of River Park Tabernacle Church in South Bend, again serving on the church board. Civically minded and community-focused, Jerry was a current member of the Koontz Lake Lions Club and a past member of the Koontz Lake Volunteer Fire Department. He gave of his time and talents through service on the Oregon-Davis School Board-twice-holding the offices of President, Vice-President, and Secretary. He also served as a Starke County Councilman and was a founding member of the Oregon-Davis Summer Baseball League, helping shape the lives of local youth through sport. His community efforts extended to involvement with Starke County Crime Stoppers and more than 60 years of devoted service at Rannells Funeral Home. Above all, Jerry was a family man who led by example-with kindness, humility, and unwavering integrity. He is survived by his beloved wife, Sue; two children, Jeff (Char) Pearish and Lori (Terry) Pucel; six grandchildren, Jonnathon (Haley Ford) Pucel, Adam (Brayton Mendenhall) Pearish, Amy (Cody) Shreve, Emily Pucel, Lauren (Quentin) McGaughey, and Allison (Daniel) Pletcher; fourteen great-grandchildren with one on the way; and one sister-in-law, Pat Pearish. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers Bob, Paul, Linder, Ralph, and Larry; sisters Virginia, Opal, Betty, and Janice; and one nephew, Ralph Pearish Jr. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. CDT at Rannells Funeral Home, Koontz Lake Chapel. A funeral service will take place at Noon CDT on Thursday, August 7 at Koontz Lake Missionary Church, with an additional hour of visitation beginning at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Grovertown Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Center for Hospice. Jerry's life was one of quiet strength, enduring faith, and selfless dedication. He will be deeply missed by all who had the honor of knowing him. The Rannells Funeral Home is honored to have had Jerry as part of our family forever and are deeply honored to be entrusted with his care and arrangements.