Jerry Vandeveer

Gerald John Vandeveer, aged 75, completed his earthly work on Thursday, February 23, 2024. Jerry eagerly accepted an invitation from the Lord to walk the gardens of heaven alongside his "precious Linda," the love of his life, who preceded him in death in September of 2016. Jerry was born and adopted in Chicago in 1948. After attending Morgan Park and Chicago Vocational High Schools, he worked for several years before joining the Army and being stationed at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, where he met his beloved Linda. After 5 months, they were married and moved to Fort Wayne to be employed at the Fort Wayne Children's Home. While there, Linda conceived their only child, Gerald II. They also started a small business on their days off called The Wood Shack on Baker Street, which they operated for 45 years. In the 1980s, they opened three small restaurants called Bimbo Chicago Style Hot Dogs while still operating The Wood Shack. In the late '90s, they became vocal supporters of law enforcement, working with them to clean out drug houses and prostitution from their neighborhood. Their work with the police was successful, so Jerry and Linda built a police memorial garden on Baker and Fairfield Corner to thank the officers. The police memorial ceremonies began in 2003 and continue today at a new location. In 2005, they recruited a board of directors, formed a nonprofit corporation, and began building the new permanent law enforcement/firefighters memorial on Wells Street, dedicated in 2011 with a cost of over $250,000. The community and unions donated 100% of the time, labor, materials, and money to complete the memorial. Over the years, they bought many houses surrounding their business and home and eventually their commercial building. They started their own urban renewal project for their neighborhood by remodeling only exteriors, planting flowers around the homes, and along the park strips of the street. It was a joy to drive by and see the flowers and be motivated to work on your own home.

Jerry was dedicated to his Linda during both good times and bad, through sickness and health. During their 46 years of marriage, they overcame many obstacles, taught each other how to love strongly, and built a love story that many people dream of but few ever attain. They lent their name to and participated in over 300 fundraisers and events. They received over 23 awards and recognitions from several entities, including the Fort Wayne Police Department, Sheriff's Department, PBA, FOP, FW Fire Department, State FOP, Southwest Partnership, Mayors Henry and Richard, and the Allen County Commissioners, who created the Linda and Jerry Vandeveer Impact Awards, awarded each September. Linda and Jerry each received the coveted Sagamore of the Wabash from Governor Pence, and Jerry received the key to the city from Mayor Henry. Jerry also received the 2021 Visit Better Business Bureaus Individual of Integrity Award.

Linda and Jerry were active supporters of women's rights and vocal advocates for raising awareness of domestic violence, rape, and bullying of both men and women. Jerry rented 26 billboards to empower women to believe in themselves. Before Linda's death from colon cancer, he promised that he would share her message about how getting a colonoscopy could save your life. He spent the rest of his life honoring her memory by sharing her messages and beliefs on over 70 billboards, at speaking engagements, on street corners, and in letters. He was a two-time cancer survivor and used his health issues as warnings to others about early detection and the inexpensive tests available that could help with prevention and possibly save lives.

Jerry is survived by his son, Gerald II; daughter-in-law, Megan; and his grandchildren: Gerald III (JJ), Tristan, Emilee, Henry, Benjamin, Penelope, and Elizabeth (Betty).

Visitation is Monday, March 4, 2024, from 3-7pm at First Assembly of God, 1400 W. Washington Center Rd..  Visitation is also from 10-11am Tuesday March 5, 2024, followed by Funeral Services at 11:00am, all in the church. Services will conclude at Catholic Cemetery with full military honors. Arrangements through Divine Mercy Funeral Home, 3500 Lake Ave. The family’s preferred memorial is the “Kops 4 Kids” program. To make a donation in memory of Jerry, please make checks to the FOP Indiana Wayne Lodge 14, 2125 Olladale Drive, Fort Wayne, IN 46808 and please note “Kops 4 Kids” on the memo line. To share a remembrance of Jerry or to offer condolences to his family, please visit www.divinemercyfuneralhome.com.