Dr. Jerry B. Mansfield

Dr. Jerry B. Mansfield, 67, of Terre Haute passed away November 24th, at his home after a long, courageous battle with prostate cancer with his family by his side. Jerry was born January 9, 1946, to Clifford and Zelda (Parr) Mansfield in Effingham, Illinois.

Jerry attended Indiana State University where he received his master’s degree in education and a doctorate in Educational Technology from Belford University. He taught science classes with longtime friend Jerry Brown at Otter Creek Junior High School in the 70’s. Then at South Vigo High School he taught Astronomy and was the director of the Allen Memorial Planetarium. Many children were awed by his knowledge of the stars and as a result, gained their own knowledge of the universe. While he was teaching, Jerry and two other teachers went on to be co-founders of the Terre Haute Children’s Museum where he made many lasting friendships and enjoyed expanding the minds of young and old in the community. Jerry and his wife Dianne also hosted a therapeutic horseback riding program called Bright Hope Riders for children with disabilities. Jerry always felt that teaching the disabled to trust in a horse enriched all aspects of their lives.

Jerry was a member of Central Christian Church as well as Great Lakes Planetarium Association, Hoosier Association of Science Teachers Inc., Indiana Retired Teachers Association, Joint Heirs, Downtown Terre Haute Rotary, Association of Science-Technology Centers, Vigo County Teacher’s Association, Indiana State Teacher’s Association, and North American Riding for the Handicapped Association. He became very involved in Camp Bluebird where he left behind many dear friends. Jerry was a loyal and wonderful friend, loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him.

Jerry married his college sweetheart, Dianne (Duncan) Mansfield, on April 20, 1968. She survives him. Together, they had three children, Greg Mansfield and wife Sherrie, Kristy Zukokas and husband Kevin, and Kimberly Schodlatz and husband Mike, all of Terre Haute. Jerry was blessed with 9 wonderful grandchildren; Michael, Kelly, Clayton, Colton, Briley, Kolar, Parker, Dylan, and Ashley; and Jerry’s pride and joy, his great granddaughter Braylynn.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation will be held at Central Christian Church, 4950 Wabash Ave., Terre Haute, IN 47803 on Tuesday, Nov. 26th from 4 pm-8 pm. A Celebration of Jerry’s Life will be held at the church on Wednesday, Nov. 27th at 1:00 pm with Rev. Rebecca Zelensky presiding. Roselawn Funeral Home assisted with arrangements. Entombment to follow in the Chapel of Memories at Roselawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a fund at the Terre Haute Children’s Museum, 727 Wabash Ave., Terre Haute, IN 47807 for the purchase of a limestone block in memory of Jerry and all of his contributions to its success or to Central Christian Church. Words of comfort and support may be left online at www.roselawnfuneralhome.net