Gerald
T.
Bush
Obituary
Gerald T. Bush, of Fort Wayne, IN, passed away peacefully at home, in the company of his loving wife Janie, on the morning of January 30, 2019. Jerry was born in Cleveland, OH on April 24, 1934. On April 19, 1958, in Richmond, IN, Jerry was united in marriage to Mary Jane Kutter. The two met while they were attending the University of Dayton. Jerry is survived by his wife Janie and their four children, Mark (Betty) Bush of Avilla, IN; Joy (Henley Douglas, Jr.) Jolliffe of Marblehead, MA; Terry (Lori DesJardins) Bush of South Bend, IN; and Jenny (Mark) Stump of Avilla, IN. Jerry was preceded in death by three sisters: Helen, Mary, and Kathy; and two brothers: Walter and Jim. Jerry was proud of his seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Jerry spent some of his childhood at the Parmadale Children’s Village of St. Vincent DePaul, an orphanage in the Cleveland area. Jerry excelled in football at Cleveland’s Benedictine High School, where he was also a class officer and recipient of the inaugural “Mr. Benedictine” award. In 2009, he was inducted into the Benedictine Alumni Association Hall of Fame. He went on to the University of Dayton on a football scholarship, where he was the first recipient of the Lt. Andrew Zulli Memorial Award for sportsmanship and character. After receiving a Bachelor of Science in Education degree in 1957, Jerry began a long and dedicated career in teaching, coaching, and school administration. First, he returned to Benedictine High School in Cleveland to teach and coach track and football for three years. He and his young family then moved to Fort Wayne, where he spent one year at Central Catholic High School. Jerry then became the head football coach at Columbia City Joint High School for three seasons. He then moved to Elmhurst High School in Fort Wayne in 1964, where he taught and was assistant football coach, guidance counselor, and eventually Athletic Director. During this time, he received a Master of Science degree from the University of St. Francis, with a secondary school administration certificate from Ball State University. In 1974, Jerry moved to East Allen County Schools as the guidance counselor at Paul Harding High School, and after one year in that role he became Assistant Principal at Harding. In 1977, he was appointed Assistant Principal at Woodlan Junior-Senior High School, and three years later he became principal at Woodlan. He retired in 1993 as the Assistant Principal at New Haven Middle School. Jerry’s life was rooted in faith, loyalty to his wife and family, service to others, boundless energy and work ethic, and a passion for sports. Over the years, Jerry was active in his parish as a Eucharistic minister, usher and he was a fourth degree in the Knights of Columbus. He was in the Woodburn Lions Club; volunteered at Parkview Hospital for over twenty years; and for several years helped organize the men’s senior golf league at Arlington Park. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 am, Tuesday, February 5, 2019 at Saint Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, 4916 Trier Rd with calling one hour prior. Visitation will be held Monday, February 4, 2019, 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm & 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm at Divine Mercy Funeral Home, 3500 Lake Ave., Fort Wayne with a rosary at 3:30 pm. Burial will be in Catholic Cemetery, Fort Wayne. Memorial contributions may be made to Knights of Columbus Council 451, St. Charles, or Donor’s Choice.
Services
Condolences
When uploading images, please allow the images to fully transfer before submitting form. Image thumbnails will appear below the comment box.
Comment required for image uploads.
20 total images or 20Mb max.
To them families of Jerry Bush the Goegleins send their deepest condolences to all of you. He will be missed by all. Jerry was our principal a Woodlan Jr Sr High. school when my kids were attending. Our oldest Scott played football with one of his boys I believe. The Goegleins Jim Carol Scott Cathy and Brian
I first met Jerry when we both worked in EACS and then became reacquainted with him through the Parkview Health and Fitness Center. We were both there very early in the morning. I always appreciated his cheery disposition and looked forward to exchanging news of our families. He was a very kind man.
I met Jerry through the Knights of Columbus at St Charles- where he was very active and valuable Brother Knight. My wife Joan and I also talked with Jerry frequently when we played golf at Arlington. Jerry was a very special man- one for whom I had great respect & admiration. He will be greatly missed- and always kept in our prayers.
Dear Bush family, I worked with Jerry many years ago at Paul Harding. He was a tremendous human being and great boss. I enjoyed working with him and for him. Most of all I enjoyed praying with him at st Charles and our short visits after wards. Often I would run into him at Parkview. Your husband and dad was a very special human being.I promise to keep him and your family in my daily prayers. Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord.
I had the privilege of working with Jerry at EACS. He was always a very kind and caring man. You have my prayers and sympathy and your loss.
Our deepest sympathy to Janie and the family during these difficult times. As a teacher and coach, Jerry had my utmost respect. As a friend Marcia and I will always remember his kindness and generosity. Jerry we will miss you! Dan and Marcia
Mary Jane I am thinking of you and your family. My prayers are with you all. I love you ole buddy Thinking of you, Deborah