Aug. 4, 1934 – Dec.  17, 2017

Jerry Adler, 83, formerly of Niles, passed away in his sleep on Sunday, Dec. 17, 2017, while a patient at The Villages Regional Hospital in Florida. Jerry’s wife of 32 years, Jackie, was at his side.

Jerry was born Aug. 4, 1934, in Niles, the son of Orville and June Adler. He attended Niles schools from kindergarten through high school and remained friends with many classmates throughout his life.  He was a proud member of the NHS Class of 1952, attending every class reunion except the 65th  (in 2017), when illness prevented him from travelling.  Jerry excelled in football, basketball, and baseball while at NHS, and he remained an avid sports enthusiast all his life. Following high school, Jerry attended Michigan State University, graduating with a business degree in 1956. Jerry served with the U.S. Army Reserves and was stationed in Waxahachie, Texas, where his children were born.  The family moved back to Niles in 1963.

Jerry married the former Judy Bacon of Niles, in 1957, and together they raised two children, Caryn and Jeff. The couple divorced in 1975.

In 1985, Jerry married Jackie Terrell in Stuart, Florida, and resided in Florida until his passing.  In business, Jerry will be remembered for his 42 years in the financial services industry, where his commitment to integrity, hard work, and client satisfaction won him the respect and admiration of all who knew him, both personally and professionally.

Jerry was predeceased in death by his parents; his son, Jeff Adler in July of 2017; and Jeff’s son, Chase Adler in 2014.  Left behind to mourn Jerry’s passing are his wife Jackie Adler, of The Villages, Florida and her son, Kenny; his daughter Caryn “Cary” Adler, of Niles, and her four children and four grandchildren; his brother Dick Adler and family, of Fort Smith, Arkansas; his daughter-in-law, Donna Adler and her son, Mitch, both of  Jupiter, Florida, and cousins, Dave Adler, of Idaho, Mike Adler of Florida, and Carolyn (Crawford) Paulsen of Berrien Center, along with a myriad of friends, classmates and business associates across the country.

In keeping with Jerry’s wishes, cremation has taken place.  A celebration of Jerry’s life will take place from 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 14, at the Niles District Library.  No flowers, please.  Friends are asked to bring a special memory or photo to share with the family. Private interment will be at the Columbarium at Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles.

A scholarship is being set up in Jerry’s memory which will send two NHS athletes to a sports camp at Michigan State each summer. Those wishing to contribute to the scholarship may send a check to Caryn Adler, 1734 Regent St., Niles, MI 49120; please write “Jerry D. Adler Memorial Scholarship Fund” on the check. 

“However, as it is written, no eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those that love him.” (1st Corinthians 2:9)