Jerry Doran Semler, a devoted, humble and faithful servant of the Lord, ascended to heaven on July 24, 2023. His parents, Henry and Mary Semler were among the first to welcome him home, where he was reunited with his sister Nancy Semler Sawrey, his niece Vicki, and his great grandson, George Theodore Sparks, who he quickly tucked in his arms.
He leaves behind the love of his life and wife of 63 years, Rosemary “Rosie” Reich Semler, 7 children, 28 grandchildren, and 7 great grandchildren who will remember him most for his wide grin, distinctive laugh-knee slap combo, his loud tv, his penchant for Purdue Souvenir bucket size popcorn that he shared, albeit reluctantly, his meticulous and reverent instructions on how to properly raise the American flag, and his ability to make everyone feel welcome. He loved war movies, Maxinkuckee, Sanibel, Rhonda his phone, and his dogs, Queenie and Max. He shared with family his fervor and vocal support for The Pacers, The Colts, and The Purdue Boilermakers. His family will continue to treasure the values he instilled in them, including philanthropy, unconditional love, loyalty, and a fierce passion for God and country and Purdue! He taught his family that you are only as good as your name, and worked hard every day to live up to his name to honor his own mother and father. His credo to leave the world a better place than how you found it will be an essential part of his lasting legacy.
Jerry put himself through Purdue, earning his tuition through entrepreneurial endeavors such as selling corsages, tuxedos and a hearse known as the The Party Wagon for fraternity formals. He met Rosie on a Purdue Spring Break in Florida where he and his ATO fraternity brothers had made a pact not to date any Purdue girls while they were there. It was the last time Jerry broke his word, but he would still tell you it was worth it to meet the woman he would marry! Jerry received his bachelor’s degree in industrial economics from Purdue University in 1958. From there, he served in the Army National Guard, and in 1959 he joined American United Life (now One America) as a trainee and rose to CEO, retiring in 2004 as chairman emeritus.
At the core of his family, business endeavors and philanthropic efforts, was an overwhelming desire to live his faith, not just through words, but through deeds. A true servant-leader, he believed in putting others first, and quietly mentored countless members of the Indianapolis business community. In addition, he served many institutions over the years including Visit Indy, the Center for Leadership Development, Indiana Chamber of Commerce, Indianapolis Downtown Inc., 500 Festival Foundation, 500 Festival Associates, Indiana Repertory Theatre, United Way of Central Indiana, Indiana Sports Corp., Indianapolis Museum of Art, Catholic Community Foundation, the Alpha Tau Omega Foundation, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, Purdue University President’s Council, IUPUI Management Council, The Hoosier Salon, Sagamore Institute for Policy Research, Indiana Historical Society, Marian University and Conner Prairie.
Jerry was awarded the Sagamore of the Wabash from two Indiana governors, The Horatio Alger Award from the Boys and Girls Clubs of Indianapolis, and The Michael A. Carroll Award, for his determination, humility and devotion to the central Indiana community, among others. His accolades and accomplishment were numerous, but the titles and roles he enjoyed the most were Husband, Dad and Papa.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Marian University in care of the Jerry and Rosie Semler Endowed Scholarship, Crossroads of America Council-Boy Scouts of America, St. Pius X Catholic Church or to his beloved Purdue University through the Jerry and Rosie Semler Athletic Scholarship.
Along with his wife Rosie, Jerry is survived by his sister Vicki Semler, children Dori Dodson (Jim), Jack Semler (Lynn), Kristin Terrell (Phil), Kimmie Hamilton (Jeff), Michael Semler (Holly), Jeff Semler (Karen), and Sally Butler (Pete); grandchildren Patrick Dodson, Matthew Dodson (Emily), Katie Birk (Nick), Maggie Sparks (Drew), John Semler, Hannah Semler, Thomas Semler, David Semler, Sophie Terrell, Jack Terrell, Patrick Hamilton (Lauren), Molly Hamilton (fiancé Jeb), Grace Hamilton, Conner Hamilton, Henry Semler, Ellie Semler, Matthew Semler, Scott Semler, Jack Semler, Lucy Semler, Christopher Semler, Charlie Semler, William Semler, Andrew Semler, Rosemary Butler, P.J. Butler, Annie Butler, Lily Butler; great grandchildren Cooper, Tucker, Harper, & Hunter Dodson, Ryan & Lucy Birk, Jack Sparks (and angel George).
A visitation for Jerry will be held Friday, July 28, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 7200 Sarto Drive, Indianapolis, Indiana, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 12:00 PM.
