Gerald "Jerry" A. Fitzgerald, age 67, of Portage passed away Saturday November 11, 2023, following an extended battle with cancer. Jerry said that "Cancer isn't going to win. When I go cancer is going with me. I'd say that's a draw, cancer didn't win!!!" Jerry was born January 6, 1956, in Valparaiso, Indiana to the late H. Jerry Fitzgerald, and Beverly (Ramsay) Fitzgerald. He graduated from Portage High School in 1974 and was elected Class President and Portage Mayor for a Day his senior year. He was a water treatment chemical technician who worked for several area companies including NIPSCO, NALCO, and ECOLAB. Jerry was a firm supporter of "Ducks Unlimited", he was a fan of the Chicago Blackhawks, White Sox, and Bears and loved making beef jerky.

Jerry met his wife Nikki (McCann) at Nyack Bible College in New York in 1979 and has been involved with several churches since then. He had a deep love of the Lord and those God put into his life. Jerry was a very passionate man who always gave his all to everything that he did. He had a compassionate, giving heart and would go out of his way to help others.

He is survived by his loving wife, Nikki of Portage; his mother, Beverly Fitzgerald of Portage; two daughters, Erin (Joe) Hood of Chesterton and Joanna (Stephen) Howell of Hebron; two grandsons, Emmett and Everett; two brothers, Jim (Carol) Fitzgerald of Iowa and Jeff (Jackie) Fitzgerald of Hobart; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Visitation for Jerry will be held at Rees Funeral Home, Olson Chapel 5341 Central Avenue Portage, Indiana 46368 Friday November 17, 2023, from 4:00 to 8:00 pm. Graveside funeral services will be 10:00 am Saturday November 18, 2023, at Calvary Cemetery with Pastor Richard Doering officiating.  A celebration of Jerry's life will be held at 11:00 am at Real Life Community Church 3134 Swanson Road, Portage.

In lieu of flowers memorial gifts may be made to Ducks Unlimited, the Portage Food Pantry, or Samaritan's Purse.