Gerald "Gerry" E. Riddle

Gerald "Gerry" E. Riddle, age 75, of Hobart, passed away on Thursday, August 22, 2019, at Munster Community Hospital. Gerry was born on February 11, 1944, Gary, Indiana. Gerry graduated from Calumet High School in 1962 and studied business management at Indiana University Northwest. He married Wava Marie Voigt on March 20, 1965 in Gary, Indiana. The marriage was later solemnized in the Salt Lake City Temple. Although Gerry spent some time living in California, Florida, Nevada, and Utah, he primarily lived in Northwest Indiana and was proud to call ‘da region’ his home. Before his retirement, Gerry worked for many years in business sales for Sharp Electronics, Sony, Graybar, TOWA Corp, as a repair technician for Electrolux and Henry Company, and, for a bit of time, as a train derail specialist for Hulcher Services, but, also, found delight in owning Merrillville Schwinn and being a part of a team that coordinated the first competitive BMX bicycle racing in Northwest Indiana. He enjoyed reading, film, and coaching volleyball and basketball, but, most of all, he enjoyed spending time with family and friends. He was also an avid White Sox, Bulls, and BYU Cougars fan. Gerry, an Elder in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, served as a stake missionary, bishop's counselor, and as a home teacher. Gerry was not fond of many vegetables, mayonnaise, or mushrooms, but delighted in pork chops, powdered donuts, and patty melts. He was known for inquiring about an obscure tidbit of trivia concerning a particular event, song, or movie, and, once everyone had confessed unfamiliarity, he would triumphantly proclaim the answer with a twinkle of delight in his eyes. He was adamantly passionate about big ideas, his large family, and he lived life with a boundless, genuine love for others. Gerry was unforgettable, and his sense of humor will be missed. Gerry is survived by his wife, Wava (Voigt) Riddle; sons, Gavin (Ruth) Riddle of LaPorte; Jared (Mitch Frey) Riddle of Hobart, Walter Riddle of Griffith, and James (Becky) Riddle of Hobart; daughters, Valerie (Raphael) Riddle of Valparaiso, Lila (Scott) Slys of Portage, and Dierdre (Tyler) Morgan of Hobart; grandchildren, Geoffrey, Joshua, Rhett, Daeges, Dakotta, Morgan, Jaylyn, and Logan; great granddaughter, Kadence, Gabriel, and Gage; and sister, Sherry (William) Beauchamp of Grand Island, Florida. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Wava Riddle, and parents, Gerald (Esther) Riddle and Lila (Doug) Wood. Dad, you fought the good fight, you endured much, you served many. We are grateful you taught us to be strong and stand up for our faith and convictions, so we may hear from the Lord, as surely you have, "Well Done Thou Good and Faithful Servant." Funeral services will be held Friday, August 30, 2019 at 12 p.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Griffith Ward Chapel, 300 W Wirth Road. The family will receive friends the day of the service from 10-12 p.m. at the Griffith Ward Chapel. Burns Funeral Home entrusted with arrangements. "Say hi to our ancestors, Father Gerry; Rest in Peace."

Gerald "Gerry" E. Riddle

February 11, 1944 - August 22, 2019