Gerald “Jerry” Dean Synesael

January 8, 1938 - August 2, 2023

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visitation

Soller-Baker Funeral Homes & Crematory, Lafayette Chapel

400 Twyckenham Blvd

Lafayette, IN 47909

Tuesday 8/8, 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm

cemetery

Tippecanoe Memory Gardens

1718 W. 350 North

West Lafayette, IN 47906

Wednesday 8/9

mass

St. Thomas Aquinas Center

535 West State St

West Lafayette, IN 47906

Wednesday 8/9, 10:00 am

Gerald Dean “Jerry” Synesael, 85, of Otterbein, went to be with his Lord and Savior, on Wednesday, August 2, 2023, at St. Anthony Health Care in Lafayette.

He was born January 8, 1938, in Odell, to the late George and Elizabeth (Murdaugh) Synesael. He was a 1956 graduate of Lafayette Jefferson High School and served honorably in the Indiana National Guard. On June 24, 1961, he married Jude Ann Hession at St. Mary’s Cathedral. Jerry and Jude Ann recently celebrated 62 years of marriage.

Jerry was a member of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church and worked at Purdue University in Traffic Enforcement until his retirement. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and volunteered as a 4-H leader for 55 years. Jerry loved horses and enjoyed the time he was involved with 4-H. Above all, Jerry cherished the time spent with his family and friends.

He is survived by his wife, Jude Ann Synesael; 6 children, Dennis (Dawn) Synesael of West Lafayette, Angie (Rik) Cook of West Lafayette, Kelley (Curtis) Pigg of Veedersburg, Stephanie (Ronnie) Orem of Forest, Jeff Synesael of Brookston, and Kim (Jeff Longfellow) Bowerman of Clarks Hill; a sister, Elaine Larson of West Lafayette; 11 grandchildren; and 3 great-grandchildren.

Along with his parents, George and Elizabeth Synesael; he was preceded in death by 3 brothers, Kenny, David, and John Synesael; a sister, Diane Burdine; and a granddaughter, Rachel Cook.

Visitation will be from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm, Tuesday, August 8, 2023, at Soller-Baker, Lafayette Chapel, 400 Twyckenham Blvd., Lafayette, IN 47909.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 am, Wednesday, August 9, 2023, at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 535 West State Street, West Lafayette, IN 47906 with Father Steve Kuhlmann and Father George Plaster officiating.

Entombment will follow at Tippecanoe Memory Gardens, 1718 W. 350 North, West Lafayette, IN 47906.

Soller-Baker Funeral Homes, Inc.

Katie Emge

Linda & Jerry Day

Don & Becky Schaeffer

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Soller-Baker Funeral Homes & Crematory, Lafayette Chapel

400 Twyckenham Blvd

Lafayette, IN 47909

Map

Tuesday 8/8, 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Send Flowers & Gifts

Tippecanoe Memory Gardens

1718 W. 350 North

West Lafayette, IN 47906

Map

Wednesday 8/9

Send Flowers & Gifts

St. Thomas Aquinas Center

535 West State St

West Lafayette, IN 47906

Map

Wednesday 8/9, 10:00 am

Send Flowers & Gifts

Gerald Dean “Jerry” Synesael, 85, of Otterbein, went to be with his Lord and Savior, on Wednesday, August 2, 2023, at St. Anthony Health Care in Lafayette. He was born January 8, 1938, in Odell, to the late George and Elizabeth (Murdaugh) Synesael. He was a 1956 graduate of Lafayette Jefferson High School and servedContinue Reading

See Condolences

Jude Ann, my sincere condolences to you and the family over Jerry’s passing. He was a great person and I always looked forward to seeing him at St. Tom’s. My prayers to you.

The Board and Staff of Lafayette Urban Ministry wish to extend our sincerest condolences to Jerry's wife Jude Ann, his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and extended family and friends. May God hold all of you in the palm of His hand.

Jude Ann & Family, We offer our sympathy and our love and prayers. Jerry was a warm smile and listening ear to many in our community and we will miss him dearly. Jim remembers fondly the 4-H overnight watchmen job with Jerry at the fairgrounds. Now Jerry will watch over all of us. May perpetual light shine upon him!

I was so sorry to hear about Jerry’s passing! I have been a parishioner at St. Tom’s for MANY years. Until the past couple years, Jerry was the first face I saw greeting me for the 9am Mass. I am so sorry for your family’s loss. Jerry was a very nice man and I will miss seeing him at church.

Jerry was a most friendly ambassador for St. Tom's. He and Jude Ann were a model couple. We will keep both in our prayers. At the meeting of the Men of St. Tom's last Sunday, we prayed for both Jerry and Jude Ann, Vince and Roxanne

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Dear Jude Ann and Family - We are so very sorry to learn of Jerry's passing. Please accept our heartfelt sympathy. Jerry and your entire family were the best of neighbors and friends. May your faith, your family, and your friends provide you with comfort and support in this moment.

We are so sorry to hear of Jerry,s passing! We are sure Jerry is in God’s hands! We are currently out of state…but our thoughts are with you and your family! He will be missed by all, Love and prayers for you Jude Ann and family. He is in a far better place with Our Lord! Carol and Jerry

So very sorry to hear of Jerry’s passing. We will miss his smiling face at mass. Such a wonderful, kind and friendly man! We will be praying for you and your family Jude Ann. May Jerry rest in peace?????

Jude Ann I'm so sorry to hear this. You and the family have my prayers.

Dennis & Family - I read in the paper about your father, Jerry. I never actually met him, but you spoke of him often. My condolences to you and your family. I am so sorry for your loss. Nancy and Shane Hart and Melanie King and Family

August 6, 2023 Dear Jude Ann and families… Please accept our heartfelt sympathy in the painful and untimely loss of your beloved sole-mate, husband, father, father-in-law, and grandfather. May you all continue to find comfort and hope from our thoughts, prayers, and reassurances that so many others care and remember you in your loss and grief. Although words from friends can’t take away the sadness you have in your heart or ease the loneliness that comes when loved ones have parted. Our trust is that you will find that inner strength to continue as a tribute to “Jerry’s” great memories with each of you and with us. Og Mandino, the famous author wrote, “So each of us in our own way, endures our loss, but cherishes the memories. Just as it should be.” However, when one’s heart is frozen in shock from the loss of a loved one, it is family and friends who share their expressions of compassion and friendship which help to sustain us and soften the painful grieving process. We deeply regret seeing you lose such a precious loved one. We mourn the loss for you and will continue to celebrate life in Jerry’s memory… Nonetheless, our thoughts and our prayers are with you. We hope our message will continue to bring you some measure of comfort. “Death leaves a heartache no one can heal. Love leaves a memory no one can steal.” May peace replace your heartache and bountiful warm memories remain. In closing, “The nicest place to be is in someone’s thoughts. The safest place to be is in someone’s prayers. And the best place to be is in God’s hands.” With kindest regards…God Bless... Cay and Norm PS…Jerry was one of the best 4-H Horse volunteers I ever worked with. A true leader by all measures…Norm

Jude Ann and family, So very sorry for your loss. May Jerry rest in peace ?

I looked forward to chatting with Jerry before the 9:00 mass each Sunday. I don't remember how we got started but it got to be our routine. He reminded me of my Dad. He was the kind of backbone to the parish that makes all things work in the background with a minimal of fuss. He could be counted on to do whatever was needed with no thought for reward or acclamation. We talked about the weather, crops, people. He knew everyone's story. I add my prayers to the avalanch from those who knew him, and in particular to Jude Ann and to all Jerry's extended family. I will miss my Sunday morning friend.

I worked with Jerry for many years in Parking Enforcement and we shared a lot of laughs and memories! Sorry for your loss.

Jerry will be sorely missed by everyone. For so many years his friendliness and kind heart made all of us at St. Tom’s feel a little more welcome every Sunday morning!

Jerry was the first welcoming face I would see every Sunday at the St Tom’s 9 am mass. I will miss him greatly and pray for all the Synesaels during this sacred time, but especially Jude Anne, as she says goodbye to her beloved partner of all these years.

So so sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with you and the family ?❤️?

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.