Jerry L. Kidwell, age 70, of Portage passed away Thursday January 13, 2022, at St. Mary's Medical Center in Hobart.  He was born July 10,1951, in Gary, Indiana to the late Darrell Kidwell and Helen (nee Hayes) Nelson. He retired from Metro Metals Steel Mill, where he worked as a crane operator.  On February 5, 1977, Jerry married his loving wife, Bonnie S. (nee Fink) Kidwell in Gary, Indiana. Jerry loved spending time with his grandchildren and enjoyed hunting and fishing.  He will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend.

He is survived by his loving wife of 44 yrs., Bonnie Kidwell ; son Troy Kidwell; three daughters, Tracy (Ronny) Thompson, Helen (Jason) Yates and Detra (Ira) Glover; brother, Bobbie Cork; two sisters, Shelia Goins and Carmen (Chris) Billings; ten  grandchildren, Stacy (Anthony) Tommy (Amber), Zack(Lakota), Taylor (Darrell), Daniel, Jazmine ( Foster), Jesse, Jelena, Anglika  (Chris) and Darlene; 16 great-grandchildren, Aiden, Addison, Tristen, Tavon, Jessica, JoJo, Hazel, Riely, Brennan, McKenna, Boyce, Waylon, CJ, Carter, Precella and Kia  and many other loving family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Darrell Kidwell, mother, Helen Nelson, brother, Timmy Kidwell and sister, Sharon Milam.

In lieu of flowers donations to Jerry's family would be appreciated.

A funeral service for Jerry will be held Wednesday, January 19,2022, at 4:00 p.m. with Ira Glover officiating at Rees Funeral Home, Olson Chapel, 5341 Central Ave. Portage, Indiana 46368. Cremation will follow. Visitation for Jerry will also be Wednesday, January 19,2022 from 1:00 p.m. until time of service also at Rees Funeral Home, Olson Chapel, Portage, Indiana. (219) 762-3013 or online at www.reesfuneralhomes.com