Gerald "Jerry" Rothenberg

Jerry was born in Detroit, MI to Sam and Ida Rothenberg. Jerry met the love of his life Marlene (otherwise known as Pussycat) when he was 17 and she was 13 years of age. They married four years later and had an unbelievable marriage of love, laughter and friendship for 55 years. Jerry and Marlene moved to Gary in 1965 where they raised 4 children. Jerry was an amazing father and role model to Dr. Jeff (Joani) Rothenberg, Terri (Bob) Chmara, Lisa (Michael) Giglio, and Julie (deceased). Jerry was a very proud Zayde to his nine grandchildren: Leela, Ben Tamir, Maya, Tal, Jake, Alex, Jamie, Moe and Elaine, and great Zayde to Millie and Porter. Jerry was the Administrator of West Side Nursing Home for over 25 years and was currently employed at Arman’s Hot Dog Restaurant. Jerry was very active in his community. He served as past President of Temple Israel and other various board positions for over 60 years. He was a past president of the Exchange Club, a Jewish Federation Board Member and was involved in numerous other philanthropic and non-profit organizations throughout his life. Jerry, a pillar of the Gary community, was a tireless advocate for the city. He enjoyed looking at Lake Michigan, driving around the neighborhoods, talking and telling jokes to everyone. Jerry also loved his purple dune buggy in which he gave rides and memories to hundreds of family and friends. We could not have asked for a better moral compass as a husband, father, Zayde, father-in-law, uncle, boss and friend. Jerry loved to tell jokes (often the same ones) and always had a smile. Words alone cannot describe the loss Jerry’s family and friends feel, but his traditions and jokes will be carried on through his legacy. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Temple Israel Julie Fund or the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Jerry’s funeral and celebration of life will be held on Friday, October 27, 2023 from 1 p.m. until the time of the funeral at 2 p.m. at Burns Funeral Home, 10101 Broadway, Crown Point. Rabbi Diane Tracht officiating. Interment Temple Israel Cemetery, Portage, IN. www.burnsfuneral.com. Funeral service will be livestreamed via facebook live at 2 p.m.

Gerald "Jerry" Rothenberg

March 20, 1940 - October 25, 2023