Name: Visitation for Gerald A. Fitzgerald
Start: 2023-11-17T22:00:00.000Z
End: 2023-11-18T02:00:00.000Z
Location: Rees Funeral Home, Olson Chapel - Portage

Gerald "Jerry" A. Fitzgerald, age 67, of Portage passed away Saturday November 11, 2023, following an extended battle with cancer. Jerry said that "Cancer isn't going to win. When I go cancer is going with me. I'd say that's a draw, cancer didn't win!!!" Jerry was born January 6, 1956, in Valparaiso, Indiana to the late H. Jerry Fitzgerald, and Beverly (Ramsay) Fitzgerald. He graduated from Portage High School in 1974 and was elected Class President and Portage Mayor for a Day his senior year. He was a water treatment chemical technician who worked for several area companies including NIPSCO, NALCO, and ECOLAB. Jerry was a firm supporter of "Ducks Unlimited", he was a fan of the Chicago Blackhawks, White Sox, and Bears and loved making beef jerky.

Jerry met his wife Nikki (McCann) at Nyack Bible College in New York in 1979 and has been involved with several churches since then. He had a deep love of the Lord and those God put into his life. Jerry was a very passionate man who always gave his all to everything that he did. He had a compassionate, giving heart and would go out of his way to help others.

He is survived by his loving wife, Nikki of Portage; his mother, Beverly Fitzgerald of Portage; two daughters, Erin (Joe) Hood of Chesterton and Joanna (Stephen) Howell of Hebron; two grandsons, Emmett and Everett; two brothers, Jim (Carol) Fitzgerald of Iowa and Jeff (Jackie) Fitzgerald of Hobart; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Visitation for Jerry will be held at Rees Funeral Home, Olson Chapel 5341 Central Avenue Portage, Indiana 46368 Friday November 17, 2023, from 4:00 to 8:00 pm. Graveside funeral services will be 10:00 am Saturday November 18, 2023, at Calvary Cemetery with Pastor Richard Doering officiating. A celebration of Jerry's life will be held at 11:00 am at Real Life Community Church 3134 Swanson Road, Portage.

In lieu of flowers memorial gifts may be made to Ducks Unlimited, the Portage Food Pantry, or Samaritan's Purse.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Post-Tribune from Nov. 15 to Nov. 16, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Gerald Fitzgerald

16 Entries

Billy Renn Family

December 7, 2023

Jackie and Jeff, So very sorry for the loss of your brother Jeff~you look a lot like him. Billy and I send our Condolences and Prayers. Billy Renn family

Bob & Cindy Smith

November 19, 2023

Our heartfelt condolences for your loss. May you find comfort and peace in the Lord who now has him in His loving arms. Until you meet again......

Thomas P. Trowbridge

November 18, 2023

To everyone is given a lot of tools A lump of clay and a book of rules. To make of himself ere his life is goneA stumbling block or a stepping stone. RIP Fitz

Jim and Laura Blythe

November 17, 2023

Jerry was a good friend and a great guy. We never knew what to expect from him, and he always made us laugh. A very smart guy, high energy, and not afraid to say what was on his mind. Jerry was legendary with some of his antics on water skis. He left us with so many fond memories of him.
We offer our sincere condolences to Nikki and the entire Fitzgerald family.

Patti McDonald

November 16, 2023

I knew Fitz through cousinhood and life. He was truly one of the Lords’ own. Jerry lived, loved and suffered with strength, endurance and grace. He was a soldier in every sense of the Word. Those who knew him loved him dearly, and will hold him in their hearts and memory forever. 2Tim 4:7 Ps17:15 Ps18:1-6
Jerry was a show off to the very end ❤

The McDonald family tree

Planted Trees

joe McAlfosef

November 15, 2023

Jrry will be missed, an honest man.
Donation: Salvation Army

Jerry Beach

November 15, 2023

I worked with Jerry for a little while when he was in High School. He was a really a good person.

George

November 15, 2023

"O death, where is thy sting, O grave, where is thy victory " ? Gerald, cancer did Not win, YOU WON , TO BE WITH JESUS CHRIST FOR ETERNITY! "GOD BE WITH YOU, TILL WE MEET AGAIN".

Debbie Botch

November 15, 2023

Jerry was so fun loving and very special to all who knew him including myself and his late father in law Chris. Jerry and the Fitzgerald family visits to upstate New York are fondly remembered. My deepest condolences to Nikki and to his daughters Erin and Joanna and their families. He will always be with all of you. Love and prayers. Debbie

Greg Costakis

November 15, 2023

Although I haven't seen Jerry since we were both much younger men, news of his passing has hit me hard this morning. His was one of those personalities that stick with you for life and every so often bring back memories of your time together.

Bob Miller

November 14, 2023

The Miller family extends our deepest sympathies on Jerry’s passing. Good friends, make that great friends, for over 60 years. His memory will live on. He and your family are in our prayers. II Timothy 4:7-8. -María, Christine, Bob, Owen and Allison

Terry Kegebein

November 14, 2023

Deepest Condolences to all Of Jerry's family and friends.

RONALD HANCOCK

November 13, 2023

I had the privilege of working Jerry with our student council. He was an excellent example of a positive leader, and always carried more then his fair share. HE WAS A DELIGHT TO HAVE IN CLASS.

Ken and Lori Kerr

November 13, 2023

Jerry was a one of a kind cousin. He spent time at our house during his HS years, was my sister Karens age. He was wild and crazy then and till his last days on earth. His heart was full and he gave unconditionally. He taught many of us some of his talents. He was a Christmas elf that wore his Festive scarf and duds and would sport them all over town during the holidays. Always patriotic - threw 4th of July picnics every year. An advocate for people as well as wildlife. He loved the travels he and Nikki took and had memorabilia from each ‘n every place. A very strong individual, his stubbornness was unbelievable. We will remember his heart.

Scott Thomas

November 13, 2023

Always supportive, always a kind word to say. Very fond and wonderful memories of Jerry while I served as Worship Leader at Crossroads Family Church in Portage. Nikki and family, I'm praying for God's comfort and strength for you, and hoping that the wonderful memories of Jerry sustain you during this time. God bless.

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