Gerald "Jerry" Schoenle, age 87, of Wolcottville, Indiana peacefully entered eternal life on February 20, 2026, after complications from cancer. Born on March 16, 1938, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Jerry lived a life centered on his faith, family, and friendships.

Jerry is survived by his wife Janie (Mayers) whom he married On October 20, 1960, at St. Jude's Catholic Church in Fort Wayne. Their marriage of more than 65 years was a beautiful example of lifelong devotion, faithfulness, and sacramental love.

Jerry spent 55 years in Fort Wayne, where he grew up, worked, raised his family, and built lifelong friendships. He also cherished his many years at the family cottage and retirement home on Witmer Lake in Wolcottville, Indiana, a place especially dear to him and the setting for countless family gatherings and celebrations. Over the last 25 years, Jerry and his wife Janie enjoyed winter months in Tucson, Arizona.

As a young man he was a member of the Army Reserves serving his country with honor. Jerry attended International Business college and was a hardware buyer for 30 years, helping to grow Hardware Wholesalers Inc. ("Do It Best"), where he was respected for his integrity, reliability, and dedication to the dealers. He was owner and landlord at Orchard Drive Apartments in Wolcottville for 10 years in early retirement, where he was a hard-working, caring landlord to many young renters. Jerry had the gift of remembering people's names and enjoyed talking to people wherever he went.

Faith was central to Jerry's life. He went to St. Andrew's Grade school and Central Catholic High School and was on the Parish Council at St. Jude's. He found joy in serving through music ministry, sharing his gifts in choir, cantoring and on the mandolin. His faith was lived not only in worship but in everyday acts of kindness, generosity, and quiet service. In his later years he could be found picking up litter along the county line roads, doing projects at St. Gaspar's Church, or planting grass and tending the graves at St Gaspar's Cemetery.

Jerry embraced life fully and enthusiastically with Janie at his side. He was a devoted father to his five children, teaching them everything from construction to auto repair and lawn maintenance. He enjoyed acting, golf, running and walking, sailing, traveling, yardwork, tending his orchard, and celebrating God's blessings with the extended family as a beloved uncle to his nephew and nieces — especially during treasured summer reunions at Witmer Lake. He will be remembered pulling a wagon full of toys down to the beach, followed by a gaggle of grandchildren, or in the boats on the lake enjoying long sunny afternoons. After grilling for many hungry mouths, he would finally relax by the campfire to sing and laugh with his family.

In the winter months Jerry and Janie would enjoy wonderful sunny days for over 25 years in Tucson where they still have many dear friends. Jerry participated in Theatre there each year and even a "Dancing with the Stars" competition. Jerry and Janie went on many wonderful trips with their friends as they enjoyed retirement.

Jerry is also survived by his children: Jerry (Janna) Schoenle of Plymouth, Michigan: Anne (Steven) Carter of Medford, Oregon; Michael (Kate) Schoenle of Plymouth, Michigan: Carol Gardner of Fort Wayne, Indiana and Sarah (Michael) Scudder of Western Springs, Illinois. He is also survived by 21 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren, who brought him immense joy and pride.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Hilda Schoenle, and his brother, Carl Schoenle.

Visitation will be Sunday, March 1, 2026, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. with a Rosary service at 6 p.m. at Young Family Funeral Home, Wolcottville Chapel, State Road 9 North, Wolcottville. Visitation will also be one hour prior to the service on Monday at the Patroness Center.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, March 2, 2026, at 11 a.m. at Our Lady, Patroness of America Center, 2730 East Northport Road, Rome City.

Burial will follow at St. Gaspar Catholic Cemetery.

Condolences may be shared with the family at www.youngfamilyfuneralhome.com