Jerry Dean Wellman, 77, of Kimmell, IN passed away Monday, 8-31-26, at his home, surrounded by loved ones.

Jerry was born on February 21, 1949, in Goshen, Indiana to Lee Amos and Jesse Nadean (Yoder) Wellman. He graduated from West Noble high school in 1968, and in June 1968, he enlisted in the Marines where he became a Lance Corporal. Jerry served as a rifle man in Vietnam until September 1969 he was stationed in Okinawa, Japan to finish out his 2 year enlistment. Jerry’s service earned him numerous awards, including, but not limited to a rifle markmanship badge and a combat action ribbon after returning to the states, Jerry delivered newspapers, worked at the sawmill in Ligonier, and later Monsanto/Silgan Plastics, where he was a maintenance man. He retired in 2014, after 42 years of service.

Jerry was a proud but stubborn man with an ornery side to him. He loved his family greatly. He liked to fish, camp, and play games, particularly cards. Jerry enjoyed watching sci-fi and westerns. He was a fan of IU basketball and NASCAR with Jeff Jordan being his favorite driver. In his earlier years, Jerry was a member of Albion Bowling League, The Eagles of Albion, and the Ligonier American Legion. For a quick getaway Jerry enjoyed going to Fire Keepers Casino.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Janet Wellman ; daughter Kerri Rinehold of Albion, daughter Kristy (Eric) Crawford of Churubusco, son Brandon Wellman of Ft. Wayne, and daughter Faith (Gregory) Sievers of Kimmell ; grandchildren include Michaela, Mackenzie (Bill Harvey- Fiance), and Natasha Rinehold, Christian (Alli) Tucker, Emma Crawford, Brandie and Kylie (with an expected great granddaughter) Wellman, Hailie Carr, Alyssa Carr ( Luke Nichols- fiancé) , Matthew, Kolton, Chance and Cloe Sievers ; great grandchildren include Hudson, Hadley, Grayson, Jaxson, Rosie, Hayzlee, Skylar, and Lillith.

Jerry is also survived by his siblings Ruth Prater of Easton, MD, Coral Moore of Goshen, IN, James Wellman of Silver City, NC, (Janet Cronnie) Allen of Ligonier, IN, and Nelda Cripe of Milford, IN ; nieces and nephews Jean Carnahan, Nancy Clouse, Terry Winebrenner, Richard Green, Douglas Green, Nathan Green, Joe Green, Peggy Thompson, Wanda Lord, John Hamden, Dee Anna Vanskiver, Matt Prater, Angie Stutzman, Robyn Radford, Tracy Tripp, and Nicholas Kruger

He was proceeded in death by his parents, Lee and Nadean Wellman ; sisters Evelyn Winebrenner, Rosie Green, and Linda Knafel ; brother-in-law Merritt Winebrenner, Lewis Moore, and John Knafel ; nephew Ray Moore.

The family would like to extend their sincere, thanks to the staff of Orchard Point and Parkview Hospice.

Funeral Services will be Friday, September 18, 2026 at 5 p.m. at Yeager Funeral Home, 1589 Lincolnway S., Ligonier with calling from 11 a.m. until the start of the service at 5 p.m. Private Cremation Services will follow. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project.