Jerry VandeSande

Jerry VandeSande, age 69, of Metamora, Ohio, passed away peacefully in his home, following a brief illness, Monday, January 21, 2019, surrounded by his loving family.  He was born February 22, 1949 in Beernem, Belgium to Cyriel and Josima (Steyaert) VandeSande.  In 1950, when Jerry was 18 months old, the family arrived in America by ship.

He was raised and helped on the family farm as a crop and produce farmer.  That carried over to his own farm, which he managed for 50 years.  He graduated from Evergreen High School in 1968 and enlisted in the US Army for 2 years in Fort Hood, Texas.  Jerry was a member of CWV Post #306 in Assumption and Holy Trinity Catholic Parish.

Jerry's love of cars led him to his first job in Lyons, Ohio, and carried over to a job at Kistler Ford.  Jerry retired from the Evergreen Local Schools in 2006, with over 30 years as a bus mechanic and transportation coordinator, as well as mowing grass for Evergreen and Swanton.

Jerry enjoyed riding motorcycles, watching Nascar, playing cards, camping at the Fair and working on his farm.  Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his family and friends; especially cookouts and watching the kids splash around in the pond.

Jerry is survived by his loving wife, Lori, whom he married 2 short years ago, but have shared over 20 wonderful years together; his children, Chad, Amy (Brad), Adam (Krystal), Matt (Jen) and Kristin (Michael); grandchildren, Justin (Brooke), Scott (Cierra) Riley, MaKayla, Taylor, Adam Michael, Harley, Emma, Kylie and one on the way; great-grandchildren, Camrynn, Adalynn and Avery; nephew and great-nieces, Robert, Alexis and Jolie; father and mother-in-law, Marc and Ellen; sister-in-law, Trisha (Bentley); brothers-in-law, Jeff (Sheri) and Craig (Tammy); along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends; and furry friends, Laci, Gizmo, Mylee and Missy.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to all the caregivers of Promedica Hospice.

Family and friends may visit Friday, January 25th from 2 to 8 p.m. at the Weigel Funeral Home in Metamora (419.644.3601), where CWV Rites will be presented at 7:00 p.m.   Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 26th at 12:00 (Noon)  in the funeral home with  Fr. Michael Dandurand  presiding.  Interment, with Military Rites, will follow at Amboy Township Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Promedica Hospice or the Catholic War Veterans Post #306.