With heavy hearts, we share the death of Jerry L. Hakes who died on July 20, 2025 at age 74. He died from a rare brain infection called Norcardia that he fought for over three months in Parkview Hospital. Jerry was born on September 23, 1950, in Decatur, Indiana to Laura (Fleming) and Ivan “Skip” Hakes. He built a life of love and hard work through real estate and home building. Jerry began his career with Roth & Wehrly Inc. and was part owner of Stockbridge Homes and Hakes & Robrock Builders. He finished his real estate career with North Eastern Group Realty. He took pride in his work and enjoyed building, not just the home, but relationships with family, friends, and clients.
Jerry is survived by his loving wife, Janet, of 42 years; two children, Patrick and Amy along with two grandchildren, Kayden and Brooklynn. Also, his brothers, Mike and Stephen (Pam), and sister Sandy (Kevin) Brown, all from Decatur, Indiana. He is also survived by sister-in-law, Diane (Larry) Beaty, Angola, Indiana and brother-in-law, Jerry “Turtle” (Linda) Werling from Fremont, Indiana along with many nieces and nephews. Jerry had many lifelong friends that were like brothers and sisters.
His big heart, honesty, kindness and professionalism will be remembered and missed by many who knew him. So, we ask you to remember Jerry by burning a candle, taking a walk, going to a movie, or buying someone flowers or a funny card. Jerry loved walking, especially at Foster Park, Lakeside Rose Garden, and the Pufferbelly trail. He loved sports, especially the REDS and IU basketball, and high school sports. He enjoyed music, playing golf, reading and private time. Jerry’s favorite vacations were at Siesta Key, Florida, and Saugatuck, Michigan.
Our family would like to thank all of the doctors, nurses, techs, and the Rehab teams that cared for Jerry for over three months at Parkview Regional Medical Center and Parkview Randallia. The Parkview Randallia Rehab team became an extended family. Thank you!
Jerry was a member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Fort Wayne, IN.
Keeping with Jerry’s wishes, his services will be private. Arrangements were made at Divine Mercy Funeral Home-Cedar Canyons, 1986 W. Cedar Canyons Rd., Huntertown, IN. If you choose to give a memorial in Jerry’s name, please consider donating to the FWCS Career Academy Construction Trades Program. Checks to be made out to: FWCS Career Academy. Please note in the memo the “Jerry Hakes Memorial.” Or to Fort Wayne Parks Department in Jerry’s name for a memory tree and stone. You may also donate to a charity of your choice.
“Finish your walk in heaven and smell the roses. Your legacy of love and hard work will live in our hearts forever. We love you and miss you, Jan, Patrick and Amy” Online condolences may be left at www.divinemercyfuneralhome.com.
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