Jerome L Ameling

Jerome Lewis Ameling, 59 of Elmore, Ohio, passed away unexpectedly at Mercy St. Charles Hospital on Tuesday, October 12, 2021.  Jerry was born in Fremont, Ohio on January 2, 1962 to Lewis and Yoland (Schneider) Ameling, who preceded Jerry in death.  Jerry was a 1980 graduate of Fremont Ross High School and furthered his education with a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Toledo and then his MBA from Bowling Green State University. Jerry had worked for BGSU for 29 years and last worked as a business data analyst for Midwest Tape in Holland, Ohio.
Jerry is survived by his loving wife of 37 years, Lori (Darr); his adoring children, Jessica (Alan) Ameling Rupp, Kristen (Ray) Robinson; Michael (Amanda) Ameling, and grandpa’s seven little girls: Evelyn, McKenzie, Emma, Jordy, Luna, Emileigh, Quinn; and his dear sister, Joan Ameling and loving father and mother-in-laws, William and Agnes Darr. 
To know Jerry was to love him, he saw the best in every person he ever interacted with. He was fiercely devoted to his family and large circle of close friends. He was the best son, husband, brother, uncle, father, and grandfather that anyone could ever ask for. He met his wife, Lori, when they were both students at the University of Toledo. He knew he had found true love because she had the trifecta: Catholic, Tigers Fan, and an awesome stereo. Together they raised their three children and coached every sport, volunteered for every committee and hosted every team dinner and end-of-season pond party they could. When Jerry’s 7 granddaughters came along, he somehow took his game up another notch. Those little girls just adored their grandpa and he found a way to connect with each one of them. Jerry’s love of sports can’t be matched. He could name every fact about all of his favorite teams - the Tigers, UT Rockets, BGSU Falcons, Fremont Ross Little Giants, Cardinal Stritch Cardinals - and he had a special knack for knowing the mascot of every NCAA basketball team. He loved playing basketball at the BG rec with the “old guy league - the noon ballers” and with his son, Michael, who shared his passion for basketball. He loved watching all of his kids play sports -  coaching and cheering them on to regional basketball finals, the state track meet, and collegiate sports; and then watching his sons-in-law and daughter-in-law coach collegiate track & field, high school cross country, and first grade soccer. Recently he loved watching his granddaughters play in the backyard (sometimes on the swingset he helped build them) and play soccer. One of his other passions was music. He loved singing in the Our Lady of Mount Carmel choir, and watching his nieces and nephews in their high school and college bands and symphonies.
Jerry had an adventurous spirit and loved trying new foods and traveling to new places across the country. He spent months planning an “Out West” trip when his kids were young. The 5 of them traveled to all the National Parks they could in 17 days covering 5,700 miles - camping in the Rockies, watching Old Faithful erupt, and watching the sun set over the Grand Canyon. He loved traveling to new places with his wife where they could bring their bicycles (and of course riding the North Coast Inland trail next to their house), and to cities across the country to run half marathons with his adult children. He was also an avid gardener, and loved “getting his hands in the dirt” just like his dad. Jerry was a helper and never hesitated to give his time and talents for others. In fact, this was what brought him the most joy in his life. We know he will be missed terribly by all the people he has touched.
Visitation will be held on Friday, October 15, from 2-8 pm at Eggleston Meinert & Pavley Funeral Home, Millbury Chapel, 1111 Woodville Road.  Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday at 11:00 am in Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church, 1105 N Elliston Road, Martin, Ohio, where the family will greet friends one hour prior to the mass. Masks are encouraged but not required. Those wishing to make an expression of sympathy in Jerry’s name are asked to consider the American Heart Association or Kateri Cardinal Stritch High School.