Jerald L. Nelson

Jerald Lee Nelson of Indianapolis, IN, beloved husband, father, and Grampy, passed away peacefully on October 22, 2021, surrounded by family.

He was born to parents Evelyn D. Nelson and Roland O. Nelson on July 31, 1945, in Chicago, Illinois.  He lived in Axtell, Nebraska until age 15 when his family moved to Kearny, NE.  They then moved to Overland Park, KS.  Jerry graduated from Shawnee Mission West High School in 1963.  He received a degree in Business with an engineering emphasis from University of Kansas where he was a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity.

Jerry worked in Corporate America in the can industry for Continental Can and US Can Company for 35 years.  If you asked Jerry about cans he could talk on the subject for hours.

In 2004 he purchased Peters Machine, Inc., a manufacturing company in Decatur, IL where he made intricate parts for the Heat Exchanger Industry. Jerry retired at the end of 2019 and moved to Indianapolis, IN with his wife, Maryel.

Jerry met Maryel, the love of his life in 1996, who survives him.  They married on January 17, 1998, when he worked for US Can in Burns Harbor, IN.  Jerry is also survived by their five shared children, Christopher Nelson (Cathie), Bryant Nelson (Lisa) of Dallas, TX, Chad Sorrick (Julie) of Phoenix, AZ, Chase Sorrick (Amy) of Valparaiso, IN and Mia Kary (Joel) of Indianapolis, IN.  They have 13 loving grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.  He is also survived by his sister, Sheryl (Mike) Moody of Eureka, KS and nieces and nephews who thought the world of him. He was preceded in death by his parents, Roland O. Nelson and Evelyn D. Nelson, and brother, Roger Nelson.

Jerry is a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church of Decatur, IL where he served as an Elder and more recently attended College Park Church in Indianapolis.  Jerry enjoyed involvement in fellowship as well as serving the church and congregation. He was known for the “mega pancake machine” he designed and constructed that produced 85 pancakes per minute.  He also created a 12 foot lighted cross to be used at a Matthew West Concert in Decatur and later hung in the church.

Jerry was known for his unmatched work ethic and avid love of Kansas basketball.  He loved his family with all his heart.  He was so proud of his children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews.  Jerry will be remembered as a most kind, generous and hard-working man who always put other’s needs before his own.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 27, 2021, at 11:00 AM Eastern at Flanner Buchanan-Washington Park North, 2706 Kessler Blvd W Dr., Indianapolis with funeral services to follow at 1:00 PM.  Burial to follow at Memorial Park Cemetery in Valparaiso, IN on Thursday, October 28, at 10:30 AM Central.

To livestream the service, please click here.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 1 Bachrach Ct., Decatur, IL, 62526.