Jerry Sweinhagen

Jerry Sweinhagen was born to Melvin and Lola (Eickhoff) Sweinhagen of Holgate, Ohio on November 7th, 1952. He was baptized at Emmanuel Lutheran Church of Holgate by Reverend E.R. Moses on November 26th and joined the family of God. Herbert and Ruth Eickhoff, his uncle and aunt, were his godparents. When his family moved into Holgate, Jerry attended St. John’s Lutheran Church in Holgate. Later, when the Sweinhagens moved to Napoleon, he became a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church on Glenwood Avenue where he was later confirmed. Jerry was a 1971 graduate of Napoleon High School. After high school, he joined the United States Navy. Jerry held the position of Machinist Mate 2nd Class on both the USS Sierra and the USS Joseph Hewes. Jerry was always proud of his service for his country and was grateful for the many wonderful experiences and friendships he made during his time in the Navy. Upon his return, Jerry became an active member of the American Legion, Bert G. Taylor Post 300 in Napoleon. Jerry went on to work at Tenneco Automotive, previously known as Clevite Elastomers, where he was employed for over 38 years before retiring in December 2014. Jerry was a dedicated employee that worked at various machines on various shifts over all those years to ensure that he provided for and supported his family. In his spare time, Jerry was passionate about photography, woodworking, and pulling for the Cleveland Indians. His greatest joy was that he married his best friend, Karen Shufelt, on June 2nd, 1973 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church with the Reverend Paul Weber officiating. They were grateful to celebrate 44 wonderful anniversaries of that blessed day. Together they formed a family of four, consisting of their son, Clifford, and their daughter, Jessica. Their family has expanded to include Diane and Andrew, and they have been privileged to have three wonderful grandchildren – Alayna, Derrick, and Lillian, who lovingly refer to Jerry as “Paw-Paw”. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Melvin and Lola Sweinhagen; and older brother, Jim Sweinhagen. Jerry is survived by his devoted wife, Karen; his children Clifford & Diane and Jessica & Andrew; his 3 grandchildren – Alayna, Derrick, & Lillian; sister - Judith Martin, brothers – Jeff (Penny) and Joel Sweinhagen; his loving in-laws – Lester & Dorothy Shufelt; and brother and sister in-law – Denny & Deb Rowe. A memorial visitation will be held at Rodenberger Funeral Home in Napoleon on Wednesday, June 21, 2017 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. The funeral service will be held at the Rodenberger Funeral Home on Thursday at 11:00 a.m. officiating Pastor Charles Kramer. A luncheon and fellowship is scheduled immediately following the funeral at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in the Trinity Center for those who would like to gather to reminisce and celebrate Jerry’s life. A graveside service will then be held at Hockman Cemetery in McClure at 2: 30 p.m.with military honors provided by the Napoleon Joint Veterans Posts. Memorials may be made to the Mesothelioma Research Foundation, Hospice of Henry County, or to a charity of the donor's choice. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.rodenbergerfuneralhome.com.

Tributes

Jerry Sweinhagen

November 7, 1952 - June 16, 2017