Gerald Weimann

Gerald “Jerry” Weimann, 75, of Berrien Springs passed away Thursday, February 6 after a brief illness. He was born September 2, 1938 in St. Joseph to Otto and Gretchen (Dase) Weimann. He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Claire (Zschoche) Weimann, his daughter Heidi Clarke and granddaughters Ariel and Gabrielle Clarke, of Deltona, Florida; his son Peter Weimann, his daughter-in-law Amy Bruckman and grandsons Noah and Evan Weimann of Atlanta, Georgia; his son-in-law Gregory (Amy) Cline of St. Joseph;his sisters, Florence Weimann of Chicago, Ruth Weimann of St. Joseph, and Elvera Sandborg of Deerfield, Illinois; his brother Donald Weimann and sister-in-law Ruth of Concord, California; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. His daughter Gretchen Cline and sister Dorothea Timm preceded him in death. Jerry graduated from St. Joseph High School with the Class of 1956. As a 1960 graduate of Ferris State University College of Pharmacy, Jerry was honored with election into the Rho Chi pharmaceutical honor society. He served the Michiana community as a retail pharmacist for 44 years. In 1962, he volunteered for the U.S. Navy and graduated from Officers Candidate School in Newport, Rhode Island. After four years of active duty in the amphibious forces, Jerry continued serving in the U.S. Naval Reserve for 23 years, retiring with the rank of Commander. He was commanding officer of an amphibious reserve unit based at Fort Custer in Battle Creek, and was honored to be a Blue and Gold recruiting officer for the U.S. Naval Academy. Active in the Michiana community, Jerry served on the Board of the Berrien County Easter Seals Society and as President of Berrien Springs/Eau Claire Rotary Club. He served as an officer for the SJHS Class of ’56 and helped to organize their reunions and gatherings. A Celebration of Life Service will be held 3:00 P.M. Tuesday, February 11, 2014 at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, with Rev. Dr. Eugene Krentz officiating. Visitation will be held beginning at 1:30 P.M. Tuesday at the funeral home. Those wishing to sign Jerry’s Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. In lieu of flowers , memorials may be made to the Berrien Community Foundation and Salvation Army.