After fighting and winning multiple health battles, our Superman, Jerome Lee “Jerry” Rynder, age 76, lost his final battle at his home in Evansville, Indiana on April 12, 2018, after being struck by a large piece of Kryptonite.
Jerry was born on October 29, 1941, in Toledo, Ohio to the late Lee and Lucile (Egan) Rynder. Jerry met the love of his life, Rita Jean Fulton when she was tasked with tutoring the worst student in his freshman Latin class. Little did they know this would be the beginning of an epic love affair spanning over 63 years. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1960 and proudly served his country until his honorable discharge in the fall of 1963.
Jerry and Rita were married on October 12, 1963, at Trinity Episcopal Church in Toledo, Ohio. Shortly after, they moved to Port Clinton, Ohio where Jerry began his 35-year career in Human Resources where he specialized in negotiation and arbitration. He was a fierce, but fair opponent at the bargaining table.
Jerry's career moved Rita and his growing family to Sweetwater, Tennessee then to Lebanon, Ohio and finally Flat Rock, Illinois. He retired from ATS in 2005. Shortly after retirement, he and Rita moved to Evansville, Indiana. In their retirement, he and Rita enjoyed traveling, playing poker, attending concerts, and their ever-growing family.
Jerry is survived by his devoted wife, Rita; daughter, Jennifer Mason and husband Rob of Olney, Illinois; daughter Cynthia Stevens and husband Glynn “Dale” of Crawfordsville, Indiana; son Theodore “Ted” Rynder and wife Catherine "Katrinka" of Evansville, Indiana. Also surviving are 13 grandchildren and their spouses, Jessica (Juan), Kaitlyn, Josh (Chellsie), Michael, Arynn, MaKaylynn, Shiloh, Zachary, Zoe, Bobby, Benjamin, Steven, and Evey; 3 great-grandchildren, Zeq, Bela, and Ezme. He is also survived by sister, Patricia Squire. Jerry was preceded in death by sister, Constance Rynder.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, April 21, 2018 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at Alexander North Evansville, Indiana with service following immediately after. Graveside services and interment will be at Alexander Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests charitable donations to the Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra.
Condolences may be made online at www.AlexanderNorthChapel.com.
