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Gerald Troxel Obituary
Gerald "Jerry" Troxel
Oct. 2, 1939 - Aug. 11, 2021
PORTER, IN - Gerald "Jerry" Troxel, 81 of Porter, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family on Wednesday, August 11, 2021. He was born October 2, 1939 in Gary to Walter and Edith (Robinson) Troxel. Jerry graduated from Lew Wallace High School, received his bachelor's degree from Ball State University and his master's degree from Indiana University. For 40 years, Jerry served as a beloved P.E. Teacher, Coach, and Driver's Ed. Instructor at Wirt High School in Miller. He had a passion for coaching sports, especially baseball, and helping his students, whether they needed a ride home or lunch money, he was always there for them. In addition to his career at Wirt, Jerry was also a radio announcer, an umpire, a referee for volleyball and basketball, and manager of youth recreation activities.
Jerry was a member of St. Paul Catholic Church in Valparaiso, and an inductee into the Softball Hall of Fame alongside his brother, Larry. He was an avid reader and a lifelong learner. Jerry enjoyed watching baseball, playing golf, and spending time with his grandchildren. His easy-going personality and compassionate heart endeared him to others. You could often find Jerry encouraging those around him to do their best in their endeavors. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather, who will be dearly missed by those who were lucky enough to know him.
On December 30, 1961 in Gary, Jerry married Judy Hegyi, who survives, along with their children: Stacy Martinez (Fred) of Bartlett, IL, Wendy Krantz Plinovich (David) of Chesterton, IN, Jeffrey Troxel of Valparaiso, IN; 11 grandchildren: Christian (Sophia), Marissa, Logan, Allison, Connor, Jeremy, Jessica, Danielle, Callie, Ryan, and Zach; and many extended family members. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Larry; and his son-in-law, Michael Krantz.
A funeral mass will be held on Tuesday, August 17, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Paul Catholic Church, 1855 Harrison Blvd., Valparaiso, with a visitation beginning at 9:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the VNA of NWI or a charity of the donor's choice that benefits animals. MOELLER FUNERAL HOME is handling arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Gerald Troxel
Linda G
November 4, 2022
Sending heart felt condolences to Coaches family and friends. Unfortunately I am just seeing this and couldn´t go without expressing how loved he was/is.
Coach Troxel was a special and considerate coach. I was scared to learn to swim and I used to tell him It was that time of the month so I didn´t have to get in the water. He always said " just dress and sit on the edge, and I´ll give you a participation for the day." He knew (). Until we meet again. I´ll let you know I still can´t swim.
Harry S.
November 17, 2021
Coach Troxel was my very first baseball coach when I played in Junedale in Gary, Indiana. Coach Troxel was very good friends with my grandpa Harry Szulborski. Coach Troxel was such a good coach and person. He was my grandfathers buddy until his passing in 2018. Sad to hear of his passing. I only found out of his passing accouple of days ago. So sorry to his family for their loss. Coach Troxel was a great man.
Chuck Gallion
August 26, 2021
I graduated, from Wallace, with Jerry in '58. He was a good guy. I extend my condolences to his wife and entire family.
Randy Arnold
August 20, 2021
Coach was my first and favorite coach. Because of him I played college basketball. He asked me to play on the team at Nobel Elementary School basketball team and anyone that knows Coach, knows there was no way you could let him down. He taught me a hook shot! He taught me more about being a young adult. Give 100%, be fair and never let your teammates down. He had a way of inspiring people. I still remember how good it felt when I did something that made Coach smile! He was truly an inspiration. I last talked to him in June. I will never forget that conversation. I miss you Coach!!!
Ronald S. Gensburg
August 20, 2021
Sad to hear of the passing of coach Troxel. I have fond memories of him. He was my baseball coach, coached gym classes and a wonderful person. He was always very supportive and positive.
Jermal Jones
August 18, 2021
Good guy!!!
Angel Auguano
August 18, 2021
Judy, Stacey,Wendy & Jeff
Just want to say I´m sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you and your families love all
Mike Waisnora
August 17, 2021
Jerry was a Good Man & he was always happy to see John Goss & myself when we officiated Basketball Games at Wirt ! May he Rest In Peace !
Holly Rodino Breese
August 17, 2021
Coach Troxel taught me to drive. He was so patient with all the teenagers in Driver´s Ed! May he Rest In Peace.
My condolences to his family. Please know that Coach positively impacted so many young lives!
Holly Rodino Breese
Wm A Wirt Class of 1980
Rob Mahoney
August 17, 2021
Jerry was simply one of the best!! Cared about kids and the game of baseball. He will be missed!!!!
Mark McNally
August 17, 2021
You will be missed Coach
D.B. Cooper
August 16, 2021
Never forget your advice Coach..RIP
Antoine Washington
August 16, 2021
My condolences to the family! R.I.P Coach!
Eileen (Mudrich) Knipp
August 16, 2021
Judy and family...so sorry to read of your loss.
I pray that GOD will grant you peace and grace in laying him to his final rest.
Tony Carpenter
August 16, 2021
Rest In Peace Coach..... Thanks for all the love you showed me and thanks for being a good leader.
Carolyn Thompson
August 16, 2021
Coach Troxel was a great teacher and PE coach. He was always very nice to his students at Wirt High school. I had the privilege of being his student aide in my Senior year and I have many fond memories of him. My deepest condolences to his family and friends.
Renisha Greer
August 16, 2021
Rest in paradise ot the best P.E. teacher ever at Wirt High.
Deborah Griggs
August 16, 2021
My deepest condolences to the family of Coach Troxel. He will be missed!
Wit HS, Class of '97
Jim and Karen Auten
August 15, 2021
It was always a pleasure chatting with Jerry at family functions.
Our condolences to Judy
and the Troxel family.
Pamela Garris Elliott
August 15, 2021
My favorite coach in the whole wide world. I will never forget the word to the Chicken Fat song he played for gym class at Nobel. Condolences to the family. He was a terrific man. May he rest in peace.
Debbie Berry
August 15, 2021
Coach Troxel was one of my high school teachers and was always very sweet!! I was able to chat with him at the final walk through of Wirt. It was great seeing him with Coach Toma and coach Rogers.
May his memory be eternal and my prayers are with his family.
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