GERALD V. REES JR.,
age 82, of Hobart, IN, passed away Wednesday, December 12, 2007 at VNA
Hospice in Valparaiso, IN. He had been a Hobart resident most of his
life. Jerry was a member of the Hobart High School Class of 1943-1944,
graduating early to serve in WWII. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps
3rd Marine Division on Iwo Jima. He was a graduate of Indiana
University and was the founder and CEO of Rees Funeral Homes for most
of his adult life. Jerry was awarded the Sagamore of the Wabash by
Governor Frank O'Bannon in 1997 for his philanthropic contributions. He
served on the Board of Directors of Hobart Federal Savings and Loan
retiring as Chariman of the Board. Jerry was past president of the
Indiana Funeral Directors Association and served on its Board of
Directors. He also served on the Board of Directors of the Hobart
Family YMCA, the Hobart Chamber of Commerce and the American Red Cross.
he was a lifelong member of St. Bridget Catholic Church and was a
member of the Hobart Rotary Club, the USMC Howlin Mad Detachment, VFW
Post 5365 and American Legion Post 54. Jerry is survived by his wife of
54 years, Mary Jane; three children: Jennifer (Tom) Rowe of Rapids
City, IL, Patty Rees (Pat Romanchek) and John (Mara Hisiger) of Kona,
HI; six grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and one sister,
Johanna Rees of Stevensville, MI. He was preceded in death by his son,
Stephen. Funeral services were held Saturday, December 15, 2007
commencing at 9:30 a.m. at Rees Funeral Home, Hobart Chapel, proceeded
to St. Bridget Catholic Church for a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00
a.m. Rev. Dominic V. Bertino officiating. He was laid to rest at
Hobart Cemetery. Visitation was Friday from 2:00-8:00 p.m. with
VFW/American Legion/Howlin Mad service at 7:00 p.m. at Rees Funeral
Home, Hobart Chapel, 600 W. Old Ridge Road, Hobart, IN.
Rees
