Luther Stephen Jerman

Luther Stephen (Steve) Jerman of Upper Arlington, Ohio was a beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend. He passed away peacefully at Kobacker House on February 3, 2026, at the age of 88.

Steve was born on December 31, 1937 in Cincinnati, Ohio to late Luther Paul Jerman and Helen Metcalf Jerman of Worthington, Ohio. He is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Barbara Bohn Jerman. At the center of everything Steve did was his family. He cherished each of them, and they will all carry forward pieces of his wisdom, humor, and warmth. He is leaving behind his daughter, Tracy (Tom) Ensign; his son, Mark (Debbie) Jerman; his grandchildren, Justin (Megan) Ensign, Jordan (Darrell) Honaker, Taylor Jerman and Jason Jerman; four great-grandchildren and his sister, Jane (Jerry) Kyle. He was preceded in death by his brothers, David Jerman, Tom Jerman and Paul Jerman.

Steve graduated from Worthington High School in 1955. While there, Steve was an amazing basketball player, made lifelong friends, and met his beautiful wife Barbara in the 10th grade.

Steve lived a life marked by kindness, generosity, and a profound love for the people around him. He attended The Ohio State University and graduated from OSU College of Dentistry in 1966. He was a dedicated dentist for over 50 years in Worthington. Steve cared deeply for each of his patients, many of whom considered him not just their dentist but a trusted friend. His gentle manner, steady hands, and genuine concern for others shaped a career that touched lives across Ohio and beyond.

Steve's devotion to service extended beyond his professional life. As a proud veteran of the United States Navy, he spent meaningful time serving in Newfoundland-an experience that strengthened his love of country and remained an important part of his life story.

Steve found great joy in the outdoors. Whether tending to his garden, caring for his pool, or enjoying quiet moments on the screened in porch with Barbara. He embraced the simple beauty of everyday life. He also had a lifelong love of golf, a passion he passed on to his son Mark and his grandchildren, creating memories on the course that will be treasured for generations.

His love of OSU was exemplified as he was a season ticket holder for OSU basketball/football for decades. He was thrilled to witness the 2002 National Championship game for the football team that ended in a double OT victory for the Buckeyes.

To all who knew him, Steve was a model of kindness. He was a loving husband, a devoted father, a fun and caring grandpa and great grandpa, and a steady, comforting presence in the lives of countless friends, colleagues, and patients. His legacy is one of compassion, service, and unwavering love.

Though he will be deeply missed, Steve leaves behind a legacy that stretches not only throughout the communities he served in Ohio, but across the country which is an enduring testament to a life lived with purpose, heart, and grace.

Visitation will be February 21, 2026 from 1:00-3:00 pm with a Memorial Service immediately following at 3:00 pm at Rutherford Funeral Home, 515 High Street, Worthington, Ohio. A private Burial Service for the family to be held on Monday, February 23nd.