Gerald A. “Jerry” Reed, age 62 of Chesterton, passed away on Friday, September 16, 2011 at VNA Hospice Center, Valparaiso.

He was born on February 8, 1949 in Michigan City, to John Reed, who precedes him in death, and Dolores Edgecomb-Reed, who survives in Michigan City.

Gerald is also survived by his daughter Rebekah Thompson of Pine, Colorado; sons Joshua Reed of Valparaiso and Aaron Reed of Chicago and grandchildren Trevor, Eliana, Samantha, Ethan and Chloe.

Also surviving are siblings Judith (Larry) Barden of Evart, Michigan, Janet Reed of Michigan City, Jack (Debbie) Reed of LaPorte, Jeffrey (Susan) Reed of LaPorte and Joseph (Diane) Reed of Michigan City survive, along with many nieces and nephews.

Reed was an operating engineer for NIPSCO and retired in 2007 after 31 years of service. He was an avid fisherman, bike rider and had a booming sense of humor.

The funeral service will be held Friday, September 23, 2011 at 11 a.m. at White-Love Funeral Home, 525 S. 2nd St. Chesterton, Ind.

Burial will take place at Earhardt-Reed Cemetery, LaPorte County, Indiana.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, September 22, 2011 from 4-8 p.m.

For additional information, please contact White-Love Funeral Home at 219-926-1309.

Posted 9/21/2011