Jerome Donze Jr.

BALLWIN, Mo. -- Jerome C. "Jerry" Donze Jr., 70, of Ballwin was baptized into the hope of Christ's resurrection Sunday, April 27, 2014, in Ballwin.

Beloved husband of the late Mary Kathryn "Kay" Wilkerson Donze; father of Kathy Donze and Jerry C. (Danelle) Donze III; son of Yvonne (Clarence) Basler and the late Jerome "Noonie" C. Donze Sr.; grandfather of David Parker and Cara Nicole Donze; brother of Jan (Stan) Trautman, Bruce (Pam) Donze, the late David Donze; brother-in-law of Lilly Wilkerson, Penny Bauman and Tom (JoAnn) Wilkerson; dear nephew, uncle, cousin and friend to many.

Jerry retired from Vanliner Insurance Co. in 2009 after 40 proud years as claims manager/supervisor with various companies: GAB and AAA in Cape Girardeau, Crum and Forster in Dallas and Vanliner in St. Louis. He was a member of the Greater St. Louis Claims Association and president of SEMO Claims Association in 1974.

He was a member of the Cape Girardeau Jaycees and Kiwanis Club, holding several posts, but his 47 years as a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks produced some of his proudest accomplishments. He was the exalted ruler of Manchester Elks Lodge 2058 from 1995 to 1997, and served as district deputy grand exalted ruler of the Greater St. Louis Metro District of Elks Lodges from 2003 to 2004.

Jerry grew up in Ste. Genevieve, Missouri, where he was one of 36 first cousins. He went to Valle Catholic School and later graduated from high school at Subiaco Academy in Arkansas in 1961. After high school he attended the University of Missouri before meeting the love of his life, Kay.

In 1963 they wed, and a year later she gave birth to their daughter, Kathy. In 1968 came their son, Little Jerry. They were married 45 years until her passing in 2009.

He had a true passion for music but will be best remembered by his friendship and love to those close to him, regardless of age. His humor, wit, kindness, honesty, integrity and overall concern of others made him respected by those who knew him well.

Funeral Mass will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Valley Park, Missouri. Interment will be private.

Schrader Funeral Home in Ballwin is in charge of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Chordoma Foundation or the Alzheimer's Association.

Friends may sign the family's online guest book at schrader.com.