Jerry O. Blessing
December 4, 1943 ~ October 29, 2012
Jerry Orvy Blessing, 68, Mooresville, died peacefully at home on October 29, 2012. Mr. Blessing was born December 4, 1943, in Fort Wayne, Indiana to the late Orvy and Hazel (Pawlisch) Blessing.
Mr. Blessing graduated from Fort Wayne South Side High School and earned a Bachelor’s degree and Master’s degree in engineering from Purdue University. He worked for 40 years as an aeronautical engineer for Rolls Royce – Allison Gas Turbine. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Mooresville and the A.I.A.A. When his children were growing up, he was active with the Speedway Little League, Indian Guides and Indian Princesses. Jerry enjoyed woodworking and was an accomplished rose gardener. Above all, he was a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather.
Survivors include his wife, Gloria (Barnes) Blessing, to whom he was united in marriage February 13, 1965; children, David O. Blessing (Nina) of Mooresville, Dennis J. Blessing (Valerie) of Bargersville, and Deborah N. Gibson (Jim) of St. Louis, Missouri; sister, June Kanik (Utku) of Rochester, New York; grandchildren, Jacqueline DeBoard (Gary), Dennis O. Blessing, Morgan Blessing, Mark Blessing, Matthew Blessing, David Gibson, and Isaac Gibson; one great grandson who is on the way.
The funeral service will begin at 1 p.m., Saturday, November 3, 2012, in the Carlisle – Branson Funeral Service & Crematory, Mooresville, with calling there from 4 to 8 p.m., Friday, November 2, 2012. Burial will be in White Lick Cemetery, Mooresville. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or the American Heart Association. Visit www.carlislebranson.com to share a favorite memory or to sign the online guest registry.
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I retired from Allison many years ago, and have not seen Jerry often since then. But he was a good man and I will miss him. Sorry to hear of his passing. Jack Oliver(Jack5628@att.net)
I lived on Barr Street, one house north of the Blessings, until we moved when I was 7 1/2. What I remember about Jerry was how totally kind he was to a squirt like myself. I was 5 years younger than he but Iooked up to him as if he were 10 years older. I have thought of Jerry and his family these many years with fond and loving memories. Jerry actually helped me become who I am today. Denny Kitt from Ft. Wayne
Methodist Hospital A5N sends our condolences to Gloria and family. We are all sorry for your loss.
Gloria, When I saw Jerry’s picture in the Ft. Wayne paper so many fond memories came flooding back to me. I remember when you were dating, I remember when you told me you were having twins. We had fun in high school. I enjoyed looking at your pictures of your lovely family. My deepest sympathy, Joyce Moore Colbert class of 63
i AM VIRGINIA WORMCASTLE’S DAUGHTER WHO IS A NIECE TO HAZEL BLESSING. MY SYMPATHY GOES OUT TO THE FAMILY. XOXO
I always enjoyed working with Jerry at Allison for some 40 years. His engineering knowledge was superb. He was good to work with and a great friend. Our sympathy to the family. Dave and Jan Oeth
Rest in peace, old friend. My condolences to Gloria and family. I will always cherish the fond memories the thimgs we did while we were pals in high school and college. Jon
I worked with Jerry at Allison Gas Turbines until I left in 1982. Sat a desk facing him and thoroughly enjoyed his company. My favorite story is about Jerry giving artificial respiration to his kids’ pet duck. As I recall, the duck was swimming in the bathtub and knocked himself out on the faucet. Was nearly drowned, but Jerry stuck the duck under his arm and did a couple of quick compressions. That was enough to bring the duck back. I’m sorry Jerry is gone. Condolences to Gloria and the kids.
I met Jerry and Gloria as a teenager. Deb and I wanted to take a 3 day bus ride to California at age 17. Jerry said no, no and no. So Deb and I worked saving money, then knowing what a business excecutive Jerry was, we wrote a giant 10 page flip presentation as to why and how we should go.Every detail planned. I can remember the look on his face during the presentation of ours. Afterwords he sent us outside to wash his car while he pondered over the decision. He then give us a $100 and told us to have a safe trip.I have many wonderful memories of Jerry. He was always such a strict but wonderfully funny man. You will be missed and remain in our hearts forever.The Love I have been priveledged to watch between Gloria and Jerry is remarkable. They share a love that many people never find throughout thier lives.
Our thoughts and prayers our with your family. God Bless, Madison Township Fire Department
Wow, he fought this for a long time. I will never forget our cruise together with my Mom and some others from church. Gloria and Jerry both loved each other so much. Thank God you all know that you will get to see him again in heaven. He is up in heaven dancing with Jesus. Love each other and be there for each other. We love all of you. Pam and Gig McClain and kids.
Jerry was one of my favorite people to work with at Rolls-Royce. When I was new to Rolls-Royce, Jerry was happy to work with me and share his experience. He was an impressive engineer to me and had great knowedge and impressive accomplishments. My condolences go to his family.
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. With Heartfelt Sympathy, Bob & Glenda Russell
To my dear big brother. I had the fun and joy of growing up with you and your support all my life. I will miss you dearly….June
Our prayers go out to Jerry’s dear family. There couldn’t have been a better friend to have grown up with, bright, honest and fun. I spent so much time at the Blessings home that Orvy, Hazel, June and Jerry were like part of my family. There are so many good memories, playing basketball, recording the top fifty on WOWO on the radio down his basement, building go carts and running them, and taking Jerry home in my red wagon when he fell out of a tree and broke his elbow. Jerry was so blessed to have met & married Gloria and have a wonderful family. Much Love, Tom David
‘Jerry and I worked together at Allison Gas Turbines for the better part of 40 years. I have always had great respect for his knowledge of Fluid Mechanics and turbine aerodynamic design. He was well loved and respected by all his peers. Most of all I remember Jerry as a life long friend. I have fond memories of the humorous stories he would tell on himself. These included his trying to catch a goose on the lake, letting a refrigerator fall down the basement stairs, having the tractor fill fall on him when pulling out a post and the Sharp TV he tuned with channel locks. Gloria, our prayers are with you and your family at this time of sorrow. I have always thought you and Jerry complimented each other. ‘ So Long Good Friend, Dan and Jan Helton
So many memories with the Blessing family that go back to probably to 1954 or 55 in Fort Wayne that have been a huge part of shaping my character. Starting with meeting Jerry’s sister, June, who became my BFF and who will always (always) be like a sister to me. I am sure there were times when Jerry just wanted us to go do our own thing but we were fortunate enough to grow up in a neighborhood where we all joined together to play kickball, dodgeball, badminton, hide and seek. There was Blessing’s Shoe Service where June & I set up a stand to sell our Girl Scout cookies and Jerry occasionally worked part time in the shoe shop. After all that who would have guessed that we would land in the same town as adults and have the connection that we have?! Working in the school system at the time, I saw all 3 of his kids go through school — what a thrill for me! And that thrill keeps on keeping on. Like his parents, Hazel and Orvy, Jerry and Gloria have always been role models for me — adoring, devoted sole mates. Jerry put up an amazing fight for life and Gloria never left his side (ever). I continue to treasure the privilege of being an ‘adopted Blessing.’ Sherry (Spencer) ‘Aunt B’ Foster
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Blessing family. Madison Township FireFighters B Shift
Blessing Family. I am so sorry for your loss. I bet Jerry is up there with Stanley having a great time. God Bless you all
We extent our deepest sympathy to you Gloria and your family. Jerry was such a fun person. He will be missed! Our prayers are with you.
Jerry was my friend and married to my best friend Gloria. I will miss him. But I know I will see him again some day. Until then I am asking Jesus to give him a hug for me. My love and prayers go out to Gloria and her family.
so many memories…. all of which make me smile. what an amazing man, and what an amazing legacy he has created.
So sorry for your loss my deepest sympathy and prayers he and Nancy are celabrating with Jesus
Loss…..always bitter-sweet. Bitter for you, his family left behind, but so sweet for him to be out of pain, out of his invalid state and with Jesus! Gloria, you and Jerry always warmed my heart. Such gracious and loving people to one another and to all you encountered. May your grief be manageable and the new path for you pleasant. I uphold you in prayer and rejoice for Jerry who is quite alive now while each of us contiues to die. Much love, The McGavran family
Thought go out to the entire family. Peace & love to all . . . Stephanie Winks Edrington
My thoughts, prayers and sincerest condolences to your entire family during this difficult time. God Bless, Bill Hoffman