Jerry De

Jerry J. De Lap, 73, of Chattanooga, passed away on Friday, July 20, 2012, after an arduous but courageous battle with Parkinson's disease.Born April 25, 1939 in Victory, Wis. to Berlie and Kathleen De Lap, Jerry grew up in southwest Wisconsin, graduating from La Crosse Central High School in 1957. Jerry wore many hats in his life; a talented softball catcher, an accountant, an airline executive, a book peddler, a truck driver, and a Packer fan who loved to fish, to name a few. Most importantly, he was a devoted son, a loving husband and a caring father and grandfather. He embraced life and the challenges that came with it, never backing down, even in his waning years.Jerry was preceded in death by his father, Berlie De Lap; his mother, Kathleen Schulze; his stepfather, Marlin Schulze; his ex-wife, Patricia Betz; and his grandson, Dominik Halling.Jerry is survived by his brother, Ronald (Vicki) De Lap, of La Crosse, Wis.; a daughter, Michele (Doug) Nordeen, of Minneapolis, Minn.; four sons, Scott (Missy) De Lap, of Chattanooga, Ross De Lap, Kurt (Dana) De Lap, and Kyle (Julie) De Lap, of La Crosse, Wis.; nine grandchildren, Nicole, Marissa and Brenna Nordeen, Travis, Trevor, and Molly De Lap, Joshua and Kelsey Smaby, and Lily De Lap; 2 nephews, Tony (Tonya) De Lap and Andy De Lap; numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins who he cared for dearly; and his dear and special friend who was with him to the end, Barbara Carlisle.Per Jerrys request, his remains are to be scattered at his childhood home in Victory, Wis.Family and close friends are invited to a celebration of Jerry's life beginning at 4 p.m. on Thursday, July 26, at the Moose Lodge in La Crosse, Mich.In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the National Parkinson Foundation.Share your memories at www.legacyfuneralhome.com.Arrangements are by Legacy Funeral Home and Cremation Center, Soddy-Daisy.