Jerome "Jerry" Rinehart, 68, passed away May 26th, 2026. Born in Fort Wayne to John and Emma Jane Rinehart, Jerry lived in Fort Wayne for most of his life. He attended Saint Charles Catholic School, Culver Military School and was a 1976 graduate of Bishop Dwenger High School, where he met the love of his life Jan, marrying on November 15, 1980.
Jerry worked at Pepsi-Cola in Fort Wayne for 25 years and retired from BAE Systems after 15 years of service. Upon retirement, he moved to Hudson, Indiana and spent his remaining days at his favorite place, Story Lake.
Jerry, affectionately known as “Bear” by friends and family, enjoyed working on cars, auto racing, bourbon, Irish football, but most of all, spending time with his friends and family. He often said his life‘s greatest accomplishments were his family, children, and grandchildren.
Jerry is survived by his wife Jan; his children, Brad (Marsha) Rinehart, Keith (Jennifer) Rinehart, Brian (Stephanie) Rinehart and Mindy Rinehart; and six grandchildren, Emma, Emerson, Rex, Owen, Ivy and Olivia.
Jerry was preceded in death by parents, John A. and Emma J. Rinehart; and brother, James Rinehart.
Funeral Service is 11:00 am on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at Queen of Angels Catholic Church, 1500 W. State Boulevard, Fort Wayne, Indiana. The family will also receive friends and family for visitation from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Tuesday, June 2, 2026 at D.O. McComb & Sons Funeral Homes - Pine Valley, 1320 E. Dupont Road, Fort Wayne, Indiana.
Taking care of family and Veterans were always important to Jerry. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his name can be made to The David Didion Scholarship Fund (Please make checks payable to St. Jude Catholic Church, with David Didion Scholarship Fund, written on the memo line) or Warrior Expeditions at Donate | Warrior Expedition.
