Jerome C. "Jerry" Brandts, 84, Celina, passed away at 5:46 a.m. Dec. 21, 2013, at St. Rita's Medical Center, Lima.

He was born Oct. 18, 1929, in Celina, to Edmund H. and Kathryn (Dull) Brandts. On May 28, 1955, he married Verdice Simons, who lives in Celina.

Also surviving are his children, Vicki (Darrell) Kramer, Jerome C. Brandts Jr., Gretchen (Steve) Zimmerman and Pam Silliman, all of Celina; eight grandchildren, Ben (Dayna) Kramer, Eric (Jessica) Kramer, Katie (Andy) Kramer, Kevin Kramer and Jess Walls, Brittany (Levi) Lesher, Kristen Brandts, Ryan Silliman and Curtis Silliman; five great-grandchildren, Jaylen, Raygen and Myla, and Logan and Allie; a sister, Kathryn Ann North of Arizona; a sister-in-law, Joyce Brandts, Celina; and in-laws, Mary Dues, Versailles, Gen Tobe, Dayton, Lu Dues, Dayton, Ruth Aselage, Fort Loramie, Kate Simons, Versailles, Alma and John Pequignot, Greenville, Evelyn Simons, Versailles, Lawrence (Shirley) Simons, Versailles, and Phyllis Imwalle, Dayton.

He was preceded in death by a stepmother, Tillie Brandts; son-in-law, John Silliman; a brother, Tom Brandts; brothers-in-law, Bill North, Bill Dues, Al Tobe, Joe Dues, Lud Aselage, Noah Simons, John Simons and Barney Imwalle; and a sister-in-law, Doris Brandts.

He graduated from Celina High School in 1947 and from Manchester College with a degree in education. He served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He was a member of the Plumber & Pipe Fitters Local #776 of Lima. He was the former owner and president of Lake Contracting in Celina, retiring in 2001. He also served as president of the board of directors of Mercelina Mobile Home Co. He was a member of the Mercer County Elks.

Liturgical funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. on Friday at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Celina, with Rev. Kenneth G. Alt, C.PP.S., officiating. Burial will follow in St. Marys Catholic Cemetery, Celina.

Calling is 2-8 p.m. Thursday and 9-10 a.m. Friday at Lehman-Hogenkamp-Dzendzel Funeral Home, Celina.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Cancer Association of Mercer County.

Condolences may be left at LHDfuneralhome.com.