Gerald Clem Michael

1931-2014

Beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather

Thank you for celebrating the life of Gerald C. Michael with us. His was an American life well lived and one for which we will be forever grateful. – The Michael Family

Childhood

Jerry was born January 19, 1931 in Fairmont, West Virginia to William Denzel and Grace Clem Michael. Jerry was the son of a dairy farmer and county leader. He talked in depth of life on the family farm, his father’s position as Deputy Sheriff, Postmaster duties and leadership with county elections. Jerry shared a loving and competitive relationship with his older brother of 6 years, Paul who often referred to Jerry as “termite” and “squirt.” In recent years, Jerry often shared memories of his parents, brother, life on the farm, including stories about his dog, Jack, and the family cat, Mother Cat. Jack, we came to learn, was a collie/spitz mix and Jerry’s constant companion and best friend. An excellent student and leader, Jerry was elected East Fairmont High School student body President.

Armed Service

After graduation from high school, Jerry yearned to leave the farm and see the world. To achieve this goal, Jerry enlisted in the United States Air Force. Jerry proudly served from 1948 through 1952 and reached the level of Staff Sergeant, as a member of the 30th Bombardment Squadron, 19th Bombardment Group. A qualified radar technician, Jerry was pressed into service as a B-29 Radar Observer and Radar Navigator due to a shortage of qualified officers brought on by the Korean War. Jerry flew 35 combat missions, earning an Air Medal with two Oak Leave Clusters. His family recently found a citation letter for his Commendation Ribbon that took notice of his “unusual technical skill,”diligence and dedication to duty”. The letter also commended Jerry for taking the initiative to set-up training for new personnel. Jerry was justifiably proud of his service in the U.S. Air Force and was a staunch supporter of the military to his death.

Family & Education

Jerry married Patricia Ann Utt in Grafton, West Virginia on September 1, 1955. He graduated from West Virginia University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics. While in West Virginia, Jerry and Pat had 2 daughters Kimberlea and Tracy.

After graduation in 1960, the Michael family moved to State College, Pennsylvania. Jerry went to work for the HRB Singer Company where he served as project engineer and manager in the electrical-mechanical system department to develop systems to detect toxic missile fuel vapors. Always seeking more education, Jerry was recognized for his outstanding performance and awarded a “forgivable loan” to write and defend his dissertation, earning a Ph.D. in Solid State Mechanics from Penn State University. On the home front, sons William and Jay made us a family of six that lasted until Jerry was called to Heaven.

A talented musician, many great friendships were forged by the whole family when Jerry played trumpet for The Little German Band. This group of well known amateur musicians played throughout the Pennsylvania and surrounding states, at various venues including civic events and halftime for several Penn State football games.

Work History

After working at the HRB Singer Corporation, Jerry and Mervin McDowell formed Industrial Dynamics Corporation. Merv and Jerry’s friendship started in childhood and remained friends throughout their lives. The creation of IDC brought the Michael family to Indianapolis in mid-1970. IDC developed and manufactured industrial Ion Mass Leak Detection systems and was granted several patents for the innovative design.

After IDC, Jerry went on to be Corporate Vice President of Hurco Companies, Incorporated where he directed the engineering activities for Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC), 3-axis and dual screen machinery. One of Jerry’s proudest recent moments was when the founder of Hurco, Jerry Roch, took Jerry on a tour of the factory. The machine tool control that was designed under Jerry’s direction is still in production 20 years later, an amazing feat for a digital system.

After leaving Hurco, Jerry embarked on a career to assist smaller, Indiana-based start-up companies find technical and financial assistance through the Indiana Business Modernization for Technology (BMT) and the Indiana Microelectronics Center (IMC). Jerry ultimately retired from professional life when he retired as President of the IMC.

Retirement

Jerry remained active in retirement, serving on the Board at Thomas and Skinner, Incorporated and serving on the IUPUI School of Science Dean’s Advisory Board. Jerry’s thoughts in retirement returned to his earlier days and he was fortunate to find the 19th Bombardment Group Association. The 19th Bomb Group, as it is known to members, included veterans from WWII through the present. One of the highlights of Jerry’s year was the annual Reunion where he was honored to meet past members of the 19th including past squadron mates, distinguished Air Force members and survivors of the Bataan Death March. Jerry served the 19th in various capacities, ultimately leaving active service to care for his ailing wife. Jerry was deeply touched and honored to be named President Emeritus in recognition of his years of service.

Jerry was also honored to be recognized for other volunteer activities. In 2002, he received the Science Medal of Distinction from IUPUI for his service to the School of Science. In 2000, Jerry was conferred the status of Sagamore of the Wabash.

Jerry was a member of the VFW, a Freemason and a season ticket holder for the Indianapolis Colts since 1983.

Jerry is survived by his wife of 58 years, Patricia Ann (Utt) Michael and children Tracy (Hughes) and Kimberlea (Gray), Jay and William; grandchildren Travis, Michael, Lauren, Hannah, Emily, Lindsay and Will; great-grandchildren Blythe and Levi. He was predeceased by his parents and brother.

Visitation is from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm on Monday, August 11, 2014, at Feeney-Hornak Keystone Mortuary, Indianapolis, IN. Funeral Services will immediately follow.