Gerald L. "Jerry" Fortwendel

Gerald “Jerry” L. Fortwendel, 72, of Troy, Indiana, passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, July 23, 2026, following a brief illness.

Born in Tell City, Indiana, in December 1953, he was the son of the late Cletus and Hazel (Howe) Fortwendel. Jerry was a 1972 graduate of Tell City High School.

On September 7, 1973, he married the love of his life, Martha "Susie" Deom, and together they shared more than 52 years of marriage.

A lifelong resident of Troy, Jerry was a faithful member of St. Pius Catholic Church. Throughout his life, he dedicated himself to serving both his church and community. He volunteered as a firefighter, was an active member of the Troy Jaycees, served on the St. Pius Parish Council, and was a member of the Troy Town Board. In his spare time, Jerry enjoyed woodworking and took great pride in crafting beautiful outdoor furniture for family and friends.

Jerry devoted many years to Tell City Chair Company, remaining with the company until its closure and becoming one of its last employees, serving as the night watchman during its final years. He later worked at Spencer Plastics, Holiday World, and St. Meinrad Archabbey, where he retired.

Above all, Jerry cherished his family. He is survived by his beloved wife, Susie, of Troy; his son, Kevin Fortwendel of Chicago; his daughter, Amy (Jeff) Carter of Carmel; and his two granddaughters, Ava and Jenna, who brought him immense joy. He is also survived by his brothers, Cletus Jr. (Sarah) Fortwendel of Cullowhee, North Carolina, Tony (Angie) Fortwendel of Evanston, Indiana, and Tim (Sherri) Fortwendel of Evanston, Indiana; his sisters, Annette (Kevin) Doherty of Jeffersonville, Indiana, and Martha (Randy) Cutrell of Evanston, Indiana, along with 2 nieces and 11 nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, July 31, 2026, at St. Pius Catholic Church in Troy, Indiana. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery in Troy. Visitation will be held from 8:00 a.m. until the time of Mass on Friday at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Pius Church Cemetery Fund.

Condolences may be shared at zoercher-gillickfuneralhome.net.

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