Jerry J. Oberdorf

Published 10:21 am Friday, January 17, 2025

BRANDON, FL – Jerry James Oberdorf, age 87, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 14, 2025 at his home with his devoted wife of 58 years, by his side. Born on July 16, 1937 in Clyde, Ohio, he was a son of the late Norma Ruth Mader and Alfred John Oberdorf.

A proud graduate of Clyde High School in 1955, Jerry dedicated much of his life to serving his country. He served honorably as a Technical Sergeant in the United States Air Force, retiring after a distinguished 25-year career. Following his military service, Jerry embarked on a fulfilling career with I. L. from 1980 until 1994 and later with Tosho, Inc., until his beloved wife, Becky, finally convinced him to retire in 2002. This allowed them to enjoy traveling together and embrace new adventures.

Jerry’s love for the outdoors was well-known among family and friends; he enjoyed hunting and fishing. His fondness for warmer weather naturally led him to settle down in Florida, where he spent his later years enjoying the sunshine and relaxation. Jerry’s passing leaves a profound void in the hearts of all who knew him, but his legacy of service, warmth, and love endures in the memories of those who were privileged to share in his journey.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his brother Lawrence Oberdorf; and his sisters Marjorie Oberdorf Burton and Diane Oberdorf Dearsman. Jerry is survived by his loving wife, Rebecca Pruden Oberdorf; his brother, Fredrick Oberdorf and wife Judy of Clyde, OH; and sister Fran Oberdorf Morgan of Belview, OH. Also surviving are his sisters-in-law, Ann Pruden Saine of Virginia Beach, VA, Bobbie Pruden Conway of Newport News, VA, and Marie Pruden Northcott of Colerain, NC; brothers-in-law, Dick Pruden and wife Vickie of Gloucester, VA, Mike Pruden and wife Jane of Roxobel, NC, Sammy Pruden and wife Linda of Roxobel, NC, and Roger Pruden and wife Gail of Spring Hill, FL.

A special heartfelt thank you to niece, Devonna Castillo of Middletown, CT, nephew, Dillon Pruden of Roxobel, NC, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and friends who will miss him dearly and to Accent Care Hospice of Brandon, Florida.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, January 19, 2025 from 1:30-2 p.m. at Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service, Rich Square Chapel with a celebration of life service to follow at 2 p.m. Jerry will be laid to rest in Roxobel-Kelford Cemetery, Roxobel, NC.

Online condolences may be made at www.garrettsykesfs.com. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service, Rich Square, NC.