Jerome R. (Jerry) Bedel, age 68 of Metamora, died Friday, February 5, 2016 at University Hospital in Cincinnati. Born July 29, 1947 in Greensburg, he is the son of Virginia (Nee: Young) and Edmund Bedel. He married Kathleen Merkel November 23, 1968 at St. Anthony’s Church in Morris. Jerry served in the National Guard and was called up to action during the Vietnam War where he was attached to the Company D 151st Rangers Infantry. Following the service, Jerry came home and began farming. He also worked at the Srs. of St. Francis Convent for 42 years, the last 23 as Maintenance Supervisor. He was a member of Holy Family Church and the Batesville V.F.W. Post #3183.
A basketball fan, he followed college hoops and continued to play himself into his fifties. Friday nights were set aside for pickup games with siblings, nephews or friends. Jerry also enjoyed riding horses or hopping into his jeep for a relaxing ride in the country. A meat and potatoes guy, his family laughed that he despised green vegetables, although in later years you might get him to eat a little lettuce. A huge fan of country music, he also loved westerns. Although passionate about farming, Jerry’s true passion was his grandchildren and they loved spending time with him at the farm just as much.
He is survived by wife Kathleen; daughters and son-in-laws Cindy and David Gosser of Franklin, Indiana, Julie and Tony Reatherford of Milan; sons and daughter-in-laws Philip and Jennifer Bedel of Richmond, Indiana, Jeffery and Jamie Bedel of Lascassas, Tennessee, Patrick Bedel of Batesville; sisters Mary Ann Niese, LaDonna Hoeing, Kathy Westrick, all of Milhousen, Indiana; brothers James Bedel of Westport, Indiana, Norbert Bedel, Michael Bedel, both of Milhousen, Thomas Bedel of Enochsburg, Indiana and 14 grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents.
Visitation is Monday, February 15th, from 4 – 7 p.m. at the Weigel Funeral Home. Funeral services are 10 a.m. Tuesday, February 16th, at the Srs. of St. Francis Convent Chapel in Oldenburg with Rev. Daniel Bedel officiating. Burial will follow in Holy Family Cemetery with military graveside rites conducted by the Batesville V.F.W. Post #3183 and the Prell-Bland American Legion Post #271. The family requests memorials to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or Disabled American Veterans.