Obituary of Jerry Van Greenfield

Jerry Van Greenfield, 61, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his wife and children on Thursday, October 1, 2020 at 12:57am. Jerry was born on December 23, 1958 in Elkhart, IN to the late Grady A. and Betty F. (Sirten) Greenfield. During his younger years, he spent time “cruising” and racing any car he could get his hands on. After the birth of his children, he enjoyed rebuilding motors and refurbishing 1980’s Camaros for each of his children. For 35 years, he supported his family as an over the road truck driver. On December 24, 1986 he married his young bride, Melissa (Ann) Black and they devoted their life to raising three children. Left to cherish his memory, along with Melissa, are his daughter, Sherri Ann (Sam) Greenfield-Ludwig of Elkhart, Indiana; his son, James Robert (Peggie) Greenfield of South Bend, Indiana; and his son, Paul Edward (April) Greenfield of Elkhart, Indiana. Jerry is survived by five grandchildren, Kendall Ann Marie and Hudson Samuel Ludwig, as well as Aniston Ann May Greenfield, and identical twins, Peyton Royce and Edward Michael Greenfield. Jerry loved spending time in his garage with his family and friends where he worked on cars and antique Farmall tractors. Though he was in pain during the final years of his life, he refused to give up until he felt confident that his family was taken care of. His final wish was to see all five of his grandchildren playing together. He accomplished this at Aniston’s first birthday party the Sunday before he passed. Jerry also leaves behind his beloved cats, Tiger and Boots. He is preceded in death by his dogs, Bear and Rocky. Condolences and memories of Jerry may be shared with his family at www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com. Cremation arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home, Niles.