Jerome 'Jerry' Lee Vonderheide

JEROME "JERRY" LEE VONDERHEIDE

Lookout Mountain, Ga.

Jerome "Jerry" Lee Vonderheide went home to be with the Lord on Feb. 6, 2022, while at Erlanger Hospital in Chattanooga, Tenn., after suffering complications with COVID-19. He was 87.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Febb. 23, at Heritage Funeral Home in Fort Oglethorpe, Ga. His funeral service will take place at 11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 24, at Lookout Mountain Presbyterian Church, Lookout Mountain, Tenn., with the Rev. Joe Novenson officiating. Visitation will precede the service and begin at 10 a.m.

Jerry was born July 24, 1934, to Sylvester Jerome and Viola "Marie" (Paulson) Vonderheide at their home in Underwood, N.D. Jerry was a graduate of Underwood High School, class of 1952. He went on to study at North Dakota State in Fargo, N.D., earning his Master's degree in electrical engineering.

Jerry had been a part of the U.S. Army ROTC program while attending college so upon his graduation, he began his two years of service as a 2nd Lieutenant (later being promoted to 1st Lieutenant), at the Signal Corps School in Fort Monmouth, N.J. Upon completion there, he was transferred to Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Ala.

Following his discharge from the service, Jerry began his long career at what was then called Collins Radio. He designed radios and did troubleshooting for their radio systems. Jerry was assigned to military contracts which gave him opportunities for international travel to such places as Japan, Denmark, Greece and Indonesia.

For decades, Jerry was a member of the Wesleyan Methodist Church, (later renamed Hillside Wesleyan) where he was involved in all aspects of the church's ministries, including serving on the church board, on the board of trustees, district treasurer, Sunday school teacher and worship leader. He was very musical and enjoyed singing solos and duets, directing the choir and being song leader for worship services. Jerry maintained that church connection and membership until his death.

On May 26, 1984, Jerry married his high school friend, Marilyn Kesselring Slenker, in Agoura Hills, California. Both Marilyn and Jerry had been married before but had spent many years as single parents. Jerry's three children and Marilyn's four children were adults and living on their own. So, they returned to Cedar Rapids and made their home there until Jerry's retirement from, what was then named, Rockwell Collins in 1999. They moved to Lookout Mountain at that time, where much of Marilyn's family lived, including new grandbabies. As their grandchildren participated in sports, plays, and school events, Jerry and Marilyn could always be found on the bleachers or in the audience. They found a church family at Lookout Mountain Presbyterian Church and worshipped together there until Marilyn became too ill with cancer. After she went home to be with the Lord in 2013, Jerry continued to be very involved with LMPC, worshipping in church and Sunday School, attending Bible studies, VIP events and men's groups.

When living independently became impossible, Jerry moved into Thrive Assisted Living, on Lookout Mountain, Ga., where he was loved and cared for so well. Four years later, when his health worsened, he moved into Rosewood in Fort Oglethorpe, Ga., where he received the same level of loving care. We can't thank the people of Thrive and Rosewood enough for the way they provided a home for Jerry, with medical supervision and with friendships and activities for him to enjoy.

Jerry was good-natured and kind, laughed easily and enjoyed the jokes that made others groan, and was especially fond of cats. He was a good son, brother, husband and friend. Throughout his life, Jerry continued to trust Jesus as his Lord and Savior, as his help and strength in times of trouble, and his source of life and blessings. In his last days, he told his pastor, "I want to glorify God" and so he has done. May we go and do the same.

Jerry is survived by his children and stepchildren, Lori Ferguson, Vinton, Iowa, Lee (Jeannie) Vonderheide, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Rolf (Kellie) Vonderheide, St. Augustine, Fla., Judy Slenker, Chattanooga, Tenn., Jeffrey (Lee) Slenker, Huntsville, Ala., and Bronwyn (Warren) McEwen, Lookout Mountain, Tenn.; grandchildren, Justin Vonderheide, Ryan Vonderheide, Brian Pastrick, Emma Vonderheide, Ethan Vonderheide and Lauryn Vonderheide, Mary Catherine McEwen, Bronwyn Hollis, Will McEwen and Jack McEwen; brother, James (Bonnie) Vonderheide, Coal Valley, Ill.; sister, Jean (Gene) Kirgiss, Hector, Minn.; two great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Syl and Marie Vonderheide; his wife, Marilyn Vonderheide; sister-in-law, Janice (Tweeten) Vonderheide; a great-nephew, Cody Kirgiss; stepdaughter, Diane Slenker Burroughs; and son-in law, Michael Ferguson.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Lookout Mountain Presbyterian Church.

To share condolences with the family please visit www.heritagebattlefield.com.

Arrangements are by Heritage Funeral Home & Crematory, Fort Oglethorpe, Ga.