Gerald "Jerry" O'Chap

Gerald A. O’Chap, 71, of Mishawaka, IN passed away peacefully in North Carolina with his family near.

Gerald was born on August 16, 1950 in South Bend, IN to Eugene and Alice O’Chap. He was a local high school graduate and then became a tool and die maker for the Dodge company until his retirement.

Gerald was preceded in death by his parents, Eugene and Alice O’Chap; his brother, Thomas O’Chap; and his nephew, Thomas John “TJ” O’Chap.

Gerald is survived by the rest of the O’Chap, Rybicki, Wantuch, and his adopted Rodriguez families.

Known to all as “Jerry,” he made fishing his beloved sports teams, the Cubs, Bears, and Notre Dame, his passion.

In the face of a lifelong debilitating handicap, he displayed a mental toughness that is rarely seen on this earth. Jerry always wanted to share a joke to bring smiles and cheer everyone around him. He never complained or mentioned the pain or struggles he spent a lifetime going through.

All who knew him were made to realize how precious the gifts of life, health, and above all, happiness are.

Gerald “Jerry” O’Chap will be forever loved and sadly missed.

Friends may call on the family from 11:00am-12:30pm Saturday, May 14, 2022 at Palmer Funeral Home-Bubb Chapel, 3910 N. Main Street, Mishawaka. Graveside services will follow at Highland Cemetery, South Bend.

Online condolences may be offered at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.