Jerome “Jerry” J. Vomish, 77, of Dowagiac, passed away at 10:02 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 29, 2010, at Borgess-Lee Memorial Hospital.

Jerry’s life began on May 18, 1933, in East Chicago, Ind., the son of George and Mary (Wanio) Vomish.

He was a graduate of Bishop Noll High School in Hammond, Ind.

Jerry was united in marriage to Sondra “Sue” Sanders on May 3, 1958, in Calumet City, Ill.

He was employed as an operating engineer out of Local 150 (Gold Lifetime Member) for 32 years.

He retired and moved to Michigan in 1987 and began working for the Dowagiac Union Schools as custodian for seven years.

Jerry served his community as a youth basketball coach at St. Victors Elementary School; and he was a school board member of Lincoln School in Calumet City for seven years.

In Michigan, Jerry served as a Wayne Township trustee and belonged to the Twin Lakes Improvement Association for more than 20 years, serving as president, trustee and water quality tester.

He was also appointed by the Cass County Drain Commissioner as the caretaker of the Twin Lakes pumping system.

His greatest joy was his family and spending time at his lake home.

He seldom missed any of his daughters’ or grandkids’ ball games, plays or musical events. He was very proud of each and every one of them and told them so often.

His loving family includes: his wife, Sue Vomish of Dowagiac; his daughters, Debra (Jerry) Luthringer, Dawn (John) King and  Doreen (Dan) Manos; nine grandchildren, Jason (Nina) Luthringer, David Luthringer, Anna Luthringer, Pete King, Melanie Manos, Melissa Manos, Mandy Manos, Meagan Gonic and Ashley (Kyle) Bennett; and three step-great-grandchildren, Brian Bevins, Shane Bevins and Sammy Alfuqua.

Jerry is preceded in death by his daughter, Denise (Chuck) Gonic, and great-grandsons, Aiden and Ashton Bennett.

His family will gather with friends on Friday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Federated Covenant Church, where his funeral service will be held on Friday at 1 p.m. led by Pastors Rob and Jen Lowe of Federated Covenant Church and Father Kevin Covert of Holy Maternity of Mary Catholic Church.

He will be laid to rest in South Wayne Cemetery following the service.

Memorial contributions in his name may be directed to Michigan Lake and Stream Association or to the American Cancer Society.

Yazel and Clark Chapel is serving the family. Please sign his guestbook and leave a memory of Jerry at www.yazel-clark.com.