Jerry A. Linzy

Jerry A. Linzy, 80, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family on August 12, 2024. He was a loving and dedicated husband, father, grandfather, friend to many and committed member of the Evansville community. Born in Marion, Kentucky, on January 22, 1944, to Jerry and Dorothy Linzy, he reveled in his family and the farm he was raised on. He found his way to and embraced Evansville as his home for more than 70 years. He endeavored to serve his home town as a philanthropist and civic servant. Having served as a two-time elected city council member; two-terms as President, he strived to better the lives of all in the community. He stood on multiple Boards in Evansville and abroad, including The University of Evansville, The Association for Healthcare Philanthropy - serving as its International Chair (the highest office and distinct honor), Interlochen Center for the Arts, and his beloved Trinity United Methodist Church, just to name a few. Professionally, he was nationally and internationally renowned for his regard for his clients and organizations he so passionately served. As Chief Managing Partner and COO of Jerold Panas, Linzy & Partners, he touched countless colleagues and helped organizations in the United States, Canada, Australia and Europe raise more than four billion dollars. However, it was his commitment to mentoring fellow colleagues and professionals that set him apart from the crowd. He taught at the prestigious AHP Madison Institute at the University of Wisconsin Graduate School of Business for more than thirty years - serving as Dean of every track provided. Additionally, he served as a faculty member of the Institute for Charitable Giving, and Dean of the Madison Institute Down Under in Australia. He penned numerous articles and was a contributing author to The NonProfit Handbook. A crowning achievement and professional high point was receiving the Sy Seymour Award - the highest honor in healthcare philanthropy. The greatest honor of life was having Mary, his wife of nearly 57 years, in his life from the minute they met at Centennial Grade School. They attended Reitz High School together and separating only to attend their respective universities - University of Evansville and Indiana University. They married on June 10th, 1967, and immediately moved to Germany where he served honorably in the 4th Cavalry Unit in the United States Army for nearly three years. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Jerry and Dorothy, his sister, Lana, and his grandparents, Vada and Ray (Mama and Papa) Linzy. He is survived by his wife, Mary. Accompanying her in grief, is his son, Chad, his grandchildren, Olivia and Grant, of Kansas City, Missouri. His Aunts, Betty June Young and Mary LeFan, countless cousins, thousands of friends, and of course, Socks - his devoted cat. Services to celebrate his life will begin with a visitation on Friday, September 6th, 2024 at Alexander East Chapel from 4:00 - 7:00 pm. The funeral will take place on Saturday, September 7th, 2024 at Trinity United Methodist Church with visitation from 9:00 – 10:00 am, followed by the service and a reception. The service will be live streamed through Trinity United Methodist Church, www.evvtrinity.org. In lieu of flowers and to honor Jerry’s commitment to the organizations he cherished, gifts can be made in his name to the University of Evansville, Trinity United Methodist Church and the Vanderburgh Humane Society. Condolences may be offered at www.AlexanderEastChapel.com.