Gerald Edward Govert

Gerald Govert, 67, died peacefully Thursday at Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC after a sudden illness.
Jerry was born in Hobart, Indiana to Joseph and SylviaGovert, the seventh of eleven children. After graduating from Hobart High School (1953) and Valparaiso Technical Institute (1955), Jerry served 1 1/2 years active duty in the United States Army. During his army reserve service, Jerry earned a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN (1961).
On September 8, 1962, Jerry married Marina Vara of Gary, IN with whom he raised four children. Over the years, the family lived in Hobart, IN (1962-1977), Walnut Creek, CA (1977-1979), Upper St. Clair, PA (1979-1983) and Valparaiso, IN (1983-2001). Ever faithful to his family, Jerry and Marina moved last year to Chapel Hill, NC to be near their children and grandchildren.
For 34 years, Jerry worked dedicatedly for U.S. Steel Corporation. During his tenure there, Jerry worked in various capacities, from mill floor laborer to general manager of the Gary Works mill, the largest in the country. Retiring in 1987, Jerry used his expertise in cold reduction steel processes to found and preside over the consulting firms of Entec Systems of Valparaiso, IN and L'Aquila Corp. of Portage, IN. InNorth Carolina, Jerry pursued his interest in antique clocks and all things mechanical as a repairman at The Clock Works Again of Carrboro, NC.
He is survived by Marina, his wife of almost 40 yeas; their son, Joseph Alan Govert, his wife, Gail and their sons, William and Timothy of Durham, NC; daughter Louise Govert Nobles, her husband, Michael and their children, Claire and Thomas of Cary, NC; son, John Victor Govert, his wife, Janine and their sons, Daniel, Erik and Andrew of Chapel Hill, NC; daughter, Maria Govert Cairns, her husband, Douglas and their sons, David and John of Durham, NC; sisters, Irene Killigrew of Indianapolis, IN; Viola Sanderson of McKeesport, PA; Ethel Phillips of Valparaiso, IN; Joan Richter and her husband, William of Hobart, IN; Elaine Ryan and her husband, Michael of New Hope, PA; brothers, Robert Govert and his wife, Joyce of New Bern, NC; Donald Govert and his wife, Martha of Hobart, IN; Norman Govert and his wife, Rebecca of Hobart, IN; Alan Govert and his wife, Janet of Hobart, IN; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Victor.
Visitation will be from 2-6 p.m. Sunday June 30 at Walkers Funeral Home, 120 W. Franklin Street, Chapel Hill, NC. The Mass of Christian Burial with Fr. Patrick Tuttle officiating will be at 10 a.m. Monday July 1 at St. Thomas More Church, 940Carmichael Street (Route 15/501), Chapel Hill, NC followed by internment at Chapel Hill Memorial Cemetery.
Contributions may be made to the Autism Society of America, 7910 Woodmont Ave., Suite 300, Bethesda, MD 20814.