April 9, 1925 — Oct. 11, 2013

Raymond Jerz, 88, of Decatur passed away Friday Oct. 11, 2013 in the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans of natural causes.

Ray was born April 9, 1925 in Chicago, Ill., the son of joseph Sr. and Sophie (Jenski) Jerz.

Ray graduated from Decatur High School and was immediately drafted into the army to proudly serve his country in Europe during World War II.

He spent his lifetime working the family farm and retired from Clark Equipment Co. after 28 years. He was a life member of the VFW Post #1855 in Dowagiac.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents, a sister Jeneane Jerz and a brother Joseph Jerz, Jr. He is survived by a sister Phyllis (Richard) Wolf; his children, Craig (Mary) Jerz of Decatur, Susan (Mike) Accoe of Dowagiac, Laura (David) Kogut of LaGrange, Ken., Gregory (Tammy) Jerz of Dowagiac, David Jerz of Decatur; grandchildren Jason, Joseph, Justin, Becky, Ronda, Jared, Zachary Cameron, Andrew, Daniel, Whitney and Joshua and six great-grandchildren.

Friends may call Monday from 5 to 8 p.m. in the Newell Funeral Home in Decatur, where funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday with James Abshagen officiating. Burial in Lakeside Cemetery in Decatur with military rites conducted by VFW Celery City Post #6248 and American Legion Post #309 both of Decatur.

As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be given to the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans.