Jerald Leo Van Ert

Jerald L. Van Ert, 79, passed away on Friday, December 11, 2020 after a long, hard fought battle with Prostate Cancer. Jerry was born November 23, 1941 in Stevens Point, WI, son of Leo and Helen (Ponczoch) Van Ert. There will not be a public visitation for Jerry due to current Covid 19 restrictions as well as Jerry’s wishes. Jerry’s family will host a celebration of life ceremony at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family will designate a memorial at a later date, involving one of the many organizations that Jerry supported throughout his years.

Jerry married Donna Radakovich on 5 June 1965 and they celebrated 55 years together. They were blessed with two daughters (Sherrie and Karen) and one son (David).

Upon graduating from Indiana Technical University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering, he moved to San Diego and enlisted in the California Army National Guard. During this period, Jerry also accepted employment at the California Department of Transportation as a Civil Engineer. He worked for Cal-Trans for 12 years prior to being employed at Rick Engineering Company. He worked in several positions throughout his career at Rick Engineering and was well-respected throughout the civil engineering community. Jerry retired from Rick Engineering as the Senior Vice President in 2006.

Jerry enjoyed spending time with his family and friends in a variety of camping activities, including riding the sand dunes at Glamis, water skiing at the Colorado River, relaxing trips at R&R Acres with occasional visits to the Lazy Lizard for a cold beverage. One of his favorite routine trips that he did with his family was house boating at Lake Powell. He also truly enjoyed working around the house, taking care of his yard, and assisting his children with projects of their own. This gave him the opportunity to teach/mentor his children while also spending valuable time with them. During his spare time, Jerry was also involved with several organizations that were important to him, including Rotary and the San Diego Off-Road Coalition.

Jerry is survived by his wife Donna, two daughters Sherrie Suanico and Karen Van Ert, and his son David (Jenny) Van Ert. Siblings; his sisters Nancy (Bill) Brazeau, Judy Van Ert, Sandy Van Ert and his brother Bill Van Ert. Five grandchildren; Kristin Suanico, Hailey (Alec) Fleming, Jessica (Amory) Sommaripa, Gage Van Ert, and Shaina Suanico. Two great-grandchildren River Fleming and Grayson Fleming.

He was preceded in death by his parents Leo and Helen, his brother David. His in-laws Rade and Zorka Radakovich, and his nephew Steve Brazeau.

The family would like to thank Dr. Redfern, Dr. Fuller, Dr. Kipper, Dr. Roberts, the Genesis Healthcare Partners and the countless medical professions that assisted Jerry with various treatments which provided him additional time with his family. They would also like to thank Apreval Hospice (especially Tatiana, Leslie, and Dr. D), Beth from At Your Home Family Care, and El Cajon Mortuary in helping the family navigate through this difficult time while ensuring the best care and comfort for Jerry.