Jerry Chlystun, age 82, passed away on August 20th under care of Hospice with support of his family. Jerry was a beloved father of three sons and daughter in-laws Jeffrey (Katherine), William (Jill) and Michael (Denise); a loved grandfather of 8 grandchildren (Keri Ann, Colleen), (Anna, Elizabeth, Emily), and (Dax, Mya, Lia).

Jerry was Born July 19th, 1941, outside a small village in western Ukraine (as Wiaslaw Chlystun). Jerry had one older brother who lost his life to artillery during WWII. Jerry's father was a Cossack soldier who fought against the Communist and ended up joining the American Army in WWII as a personal Scout for an American Colonel. The Colonel felt he owed Jerry's father a debt after saving the Colonel's life. Even though the Colonel lost his farm during WWII, he had arranged passage for Jerry 's father, his mother and himself to America as 2-year indentured servants, to work off payment for their boat passage and entry into the USA. This was done by working on a farm in Missouri. Jerry came to America on a boat with only the clothes he wore and a change of underwear. Jerry had a hard and poor childhood made more difficult due to him having to teach himself English. After their debt was paid, Jerry would also help his father and mother after school to build their first house. They mainly built the home after school/work. After completing their house, they built another one to rent out. Jerry continued school and was only one of 8 students to graduate/move on from 8th grade in his school system.

Later, Jerry moved to Chicago with his parents who were looking for work. There he attended some college courses but eventually ended up joining the Army. After being discharged from the military, Jerry went back to Chicago where he met his wife (Luda, who passed in 2010). While working with an appliance supply company, he worked his way up from the warehouse to finally accepting a position to relocate to Indianapolis in their Purchasing department. He still worked a second job at nights & during the weekends to help provide more for his family. Jerry eventually ended up working for an electrical contractor. During this time Jerry helped his wife, Luda, to fulfill her dream of becoming a nurse. She obtained a 4-year nursing degree from IU in 3 years while also raising 3 teenage boys. Jerry was very proud of this accomplishment.

Together Jerry and Luda had always said their main purpose was to give their kids more than they had, part of which was providing for their three sons to go to college. All three graduated from Purdue University, which he was very proud of. In 2001, Jerry and his three sons bought Long Electric Company, Inc. where he was employed as VP of Purchasing. Jerry took the position as President and maintained that until stepping down in 2011 to take a roll as a consultant. Jerry still came in daily to be with his sons who loved the time they were able to spend with him and their lunches together. Jerry was a man that gave everything for his family and was a very kind, giving individual. He was loved by many and always there for those close to him no matter what the cost. Those who truly knew him were very lucky. We who spent our entire lives with him are very grateful to have him as our father. May he be at peace.

Services are for family only. In Lieu of flowers, Jerry would ask you buy someone lunch. It was just his way.