Jerry Lee Gies, 74, of Rensselaer, passed away at his home on Monday, April 20, 2015. He was born in Gary on August 10, 1940, son of the late Edward J. and Annabelle M. (Schnieder) Gies.

Jerry graduated from Merrillville High School with the class of 1958. He served in the Army Reserves. On January 26, 1963, in Merrillville, he married Peggy Lancaster. They were married for 52 years.

Jerry was a truck driver and owned and operated PJ Trucking. He drove a school bus for Tri-Creek School Corporation in Lowell for 10 years, and he was a dairy farmer for 30 years. He retired in 2013. He was a member of the Lowell Young Farmers. Jerry enjoyed tractor pulls, dirt track racing and fishing.

Jerry is survived by his loving family: wife Peggy Gies of Rensselaer; one son, Michael Gies (Johanna) of Lowell; one daughter, Susan Kaiser (Jeff Miller) of Rensselaer; four grandchildren: Jenna and Meghan Gies, and Christopher and Joey Iliff; and one great granddaughter, Paityn Gies. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Friends may call on Monday, April 27, 2015 from 11 a.m. until time of memorial service at 1 p.m. at Steinke Funeral Home of Rensselaer. Pastor Larry B. Hansen officiating. Share memories and condolences online at www.SteinkeFuneralHome.com.