Gerald Howard "Jerry" Roesener

Gerald Howard “Jerry” Roesener RPh, 81, of New Palestine, IN, passed away on July 27, 2026. Jerry was born on May 9, 1945 to Frederick and Helen Roesener in Indianapolis, IN. Jerry grew up on the east side of Indianapolis, attended grade school at Emmaus Lutheran School and high school at Thomas Carr Howe High School. He graduated with his Pharmacy degree from Butler University in 1968 where he was a member of Sigma Nu Fraternity. Jerry served in the U.S. Army Reserves in the Pharmacy Unit from 1968 to 1974. He practiced pharmacy for 50 years, primarily as a geriatric consultant pharmacist in long-term care facilities. Jerry loved working with the nurses in the facilities, teaching new pharmacy students and interacting with the residents. Jerry’s life was defined by three pillars: faith, family and friends. Jerry was a lifelong member of Emmaus Lutheran Church in Fountain Square, serving in various capacities over his lifetime including teaching Bible Studies, serving as Elder, Chairman of the Congregation and Chairman of the Emmaus Endowment. His family was also founding members of Zion Lutheran Church in New Palestine, IN, where his family’s farm has spanned now 7 generations since 1837. In addition to serving the church, Jerry was a prolific author, starting with a weekly devotional that he shared initially with close friends and family called Saturday’s Notes. Saturday’s Notes distribution list grew as people would share them and eventually small booklets were produced and distributed. Jerry authored a book of study of the Psalms in 2021 entitled Reflection: Journey through the Psalms. Jerry completed a second book on the history of Lutheran foreign missionaries as a tribute to his aunt and uncle who served as missionaries in India for over 20 years. Dad always ended his writings with the phrase ‘Connected in Him, I Stand’. And now he truly stands with Him in eternal paradise. Jerry married his grade school sweetheart Karen in 1966. Jerry and Karen have three children, Daryn Wilkins (Joe), Derek Roesener, and Darcy Miller (Brent). Jerry absolutely adored being ‘Pas’ to his grandchildren, Joseph Wilkins, Samuel Wilkins, Katie Miller, Molley Clay (Montasi), and Nicholson Miller. He went along on school trips to Washington, D.C. with each grandchild, funding snacks and souvenirs and walking countless miles with them. Jerry is also survived by his sister, Anita Roesener, whom he affectionately referred to as ‘second class citizen’, all the while valuing her wisdom above all. Nieces and nephews also loved their Uncle Jerry, fondly remembering hunting for lost golf balls in the woods in back of his house for $0.25 per ball. Jerry loved to serve others. He served on the Board of Directors of the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists, was a founding board member of the Lutheran High School of Indianapolis, the Indiana Science Foundation, and sponsored scholarships for students to attend Lutheran High School and Zion Lutheran School. Jerry was an avid golfer as a member of Dyes Walk Country Club (formerly Royal Oak and originally El Dorado). Jerry will be remembered with visitation Friday, August 7, 2026 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and Saturday, August 8, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at 11:00 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church, 6513 W. 300 S., New Palestine, IN 46163. Burial will follow at Zion Lutheran Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Emmaus Lutheran Church Endowment, 1224 Laurel Street, Indianapolis, IN 46203.

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Gerald Howard "Jerry" Roesener

May 9, 1945 - July 27, 2026