Frank W. Jerse

  Frank “Bill” Jerse, Professor Emeritus of Education and School psychology, Indiana State University, passed away Sept. 10, 2017, in his home at Westminster Village.

   He was born April 7, 1926, to Frank Joseph Jerse an Frances Martinç Jerse in Oglesby, Ill. Survivors include his wife Dorothy Weinz Jerse whom he married on August. 9, 1947, in Chicago, two sons Dr. Thomas Jerse (Christine) of Seattle, Wash., James Jerse (Kathleen) of Ray Township , Mich., two daughters Mary Schwartz (Ron) of Albuquerque, N.M. and Dr. Ann Jerse of Bethesda, Md., five granddaughters Julie, 

Laura, Amy, Karalee and Dorothy Elizabeth, one step grandson Elliott, and one great grandson Alden.  He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Frances Jerse Mattiazza (Dom).

   He was a military veteran, serving in the U.S. Army through the Battle of the Bulge in World War II with the 90th Infantry Division. He was awarded the Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Combat Infantry Badge, the Bronze Star and the European-African-Middle East Medal. He earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois, a master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin and a doctorate in education from the University of Northern Colorado.

    He taught at Livingston, Ill. High School, Western Michigan University, Northern Arizona University, Sonoma (Calif.) State University and from 1964 through 1993 at Indiana State University. While at ISU he served as a professor, department chairperson, Director of Division of Educational Psychology, Assistant Dean and Acting Dean of the School of Education. He was the recipient of the Caleb Mills Distinguished Teaching Award in 1977 and was twice selected by Kappa Delta Pi as instructor of the year. He truly loved teaching, often saying, “I have a hobby, and I get paid for it.”

   He was active in the development of community health resources including Hamilton Center which presented him with the Hamilton Center Distinguished Veteran Community Service Award in 2016. He was a member of the Mental Health Association of Vigo County of which he was past president and an emeritus member of the board of directors. He was also a member of the American Psychological Association, the American Legion and the German Oberlandler Club as well as a long-time Chicago Cubs fan, finally enjoying a World Series victory.

   Cremation is scheduled. Visitation with the family will be held from 12 noon to 2 p.m. when the celebration of his life will take place on Saturday, Sept. 16.  at the DeBaun Funeral Home, 85 East Springhill Drive. 

    In lieu of flowers, friends may contribute to Mental Health America of Vigo County, 620 Eighth Avenue, Terre Haute, IN 47804.                         

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