November 3, 1926 - February 28, 2023
Gerald Robert Rostomily, “Jerry”, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, February 28, 2023, surrounded by loving family. Jerry was born in Tolstoy, South Dakota, on November 3, 1926, to parents, Otto and Mildred Rostomily. The family moved to Lodi in 1938. After attending local schools and graduating from Lodi High School in 1944, Jerry enlisted in the Air Force. He served in both Italy and Germany and was honorably discharged in 1946. Shortly after his return to Lodi, Jerry was hired by the U.S. Postal Service, where he worked for 45 years.
Jerry met Veda McIlnay in 1948 at Karen’s Cafe, where Veda worked. After a first date at the Lodi Grape Festival in September, Jerry proposed on Christmas Eve, and they were married on Easter Sunday,1949. This was the beginning of an incredible marriage that lasted almost 74 years.
Jerry was a faithful, dedicated, Christian family man who was always soft-spoken, thoughtful, and an inspiration to everyone who knew him. Jerry was an active member of Temple Baptist and Faith Community churches. Jerry enjoyed visiting family, friends, camping trips, and sports, especially baseball. A life-long Yankees fan, Jerry never missed watching or listening to a game. Jerry and Veda also took special trips including Alaska and Branson.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; sisters Joyce and Minerva (Marty) Martella; brothers Donovan and Wendell; sister-in-law Bobbie (Wayne). He is survived by his wife, Veda; son Don (Sandi); daughter Diane (Rick) Bruno; grandchildren Teri (Dustin) Smith, Tami (Corbin) Emslie, Joshua (Jenna Packer) Bruno, Ryan (Gianna) Bruno, Andrew (Lauren Givens) Bruno; great-grandchildren Chayse, Rena, Emilie, Bryce, Mason, Rosie, Damon; brothers Wayne and John (Joan); sister-in-law Vivian (Wendell); and many nieces and nephews.
SERVICES:
A celebration of life is planned for Thursday, April 6, 2023, at Faith Community Church, Acampo, at one o’clock.
In lieu of flowers, consider a memorial donation to Grace & Mercy, Lodi (gracemercyfoundation.com)