Mr. Jerome Joseph "Jerry" Wald

September 28, 1929 - November 24, 2018

Jerry J. Wald passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 24, 2018 at the age of 89. He was preceded in death by his beloved wives Norma J. Wald (nee Kuhlengel) of 38 years and Cora S. Wald (nee Corbett) of seven years. He is survived by his children Mary Jo Westlake (Bob), Mike (Karen) and Tom (Mary); beloved grandchildren Stephanie Edmonds (Kelly), Lauren Castille (Erick), Maria Wald, Bryn Wald, and Ryann Wald; great grandchildren Arthur and Ben Edmonds; and brother Justin (Fran). He was also a dear uncle, brother-in-law, and long-time friend of many. He was the son of the late John P. Wald and Anna H. Wald (nee Schulte). Also preceding Jerry in death were his dear siblings Jack, Joan, Jim, Joe, and Julia. Jerry was raised in a loving and devoted Catholic family as the middle child of seven that were known for enjoying one another in spirited fun and song. He was industrious from a young age on and noted for his incredibly strong work ethic. He began a series of odds jobs at age 10 and when embarking on his full-time career ultimately remained at the same company for 50 years. He started at the bottom and with hard work and ongoing leadership eventually rose to the very top, becoming the President of Silk Screen Products Co., where he enjoyed not only success in business but also cherished camaraderie and friendships. He was a leader at school, work and within the church and community and enjoyed treasured friendships in all these pursuits, with some of his dearest friends throughout life originating in kindergarten. His service for others also extended to his country, for which he was stationed in Korea for 15 months during the Korean War. Throughout his life he enjoyed adventure and the outdoors and was a great competitor in games and sport. He enjoyed travel, gardening, golfing, fishing and many years of playing horseshoes, ping pong, washers, cork ball, and softball. Whether in the stands, theatre or art galleries, he was always an avid supporter and super fan of his children and grandchildren in both their athletic and artistic pursuits. His love of sport and constant willingness to support and help others also led him to assist in coaching many of his sons' sports teams. Jerry loved and immensely enjoyed spending time with his family. From the time of his first house to well within his eighties, his home served as the place of countless gatherings of family and friends, most notably fun- and food-filled holiday celebrations and pool parties featuring his amazing barbeque and backyard game skills. Until very late in life, Jerry also remained known for his tireless energy and regimen as demonstrated by his daily two-hour workouts, seemingly unending time working in his yard, and a continuous string of home projects (both at his house and those of his children). While he worked hard, perhaps most of all Jerry was known for his continuous gracious spirit, fun-loving nature and being without complaint no matter the hardships he faced. Special memories of his twinkle with others and him being him include: constantly spearheading and enjoying all family games; victory laps; barbeque ribs and "tidbits"; magic tricks; his choice of restaurants, including Steak N Shake, Happy China, and Hometown Buffet; "sodie water"; playing dominos - "twain, twain"; being a big milk drinker; master painter and landscaper; handyman extraordinaire; Jerry-rigged; project and painting coach; "glad you got to see me" oyster stew and turkey soup; "I have no problem with that"; happy and social hours; the last and $20 Easter eggs; Santa visits; and his regular parting words when leaving family gatherings which we will now seek to continue to do in loving memory and tribute to our dear father, father-in-law, and grandfather - "take care now." Services: Visitation will be held on Monday November 26, 2018 from 3:00 - 8:00 PM at Buchholz Mortuary West in Chesterfield. A memorial Mass to celebrate Jerry's life will be held on Tuesday, November 27, 2018 at 10:00 AM at Ascension Catholic Church in Chesterfield. There will be a luncheon at Ascension Church immediately following Mass. A private Interment will follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Florissant. Jerry's family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the BJC Foundation for Hospice (www.bjchospice.org).