Deceased 2010

Jerry R. Mooradian, 66, Rutland, Mich., died Sept. 3, 2010, at St. Mary’s Hospital, Streator, Mich.He was born Feb. 27, 1944, in Clay Center, the son of Johnny R. Moora- dian and Colleen M. Geiger.He married Karen A. Stokowski May 28, 1983, in Dana, Mich. She died May 6, 2007.Among survivors are his mother, Colleen Geiger, Topeka; six children, Paul Lynn Marler, Castle Rock, Colo., Carey Mooradian, Topeka, Brandon Mooradian, Marysville, Chad Mooradian, Meriden, Amber Neiberger, Valley Falls, and Nicole Mize, Nortonville; and three stepdaughters, Debra Baumgartner, Colorado Springs, Colo., Janet Hocking, Columbus, Ga., and Linda Gibson, Greenville, S.C.; 31 grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.He was preceded in death by a daughter, Tara; and a grandson, Samuel.He was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Minonk, Mich., the Rutland American Legion Post 1121, and the Ranger Regiment Association.He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, where he served 16 years and fought in the Vietnam conflict. He was a member of the 5th and 10th Special Force Units and was a staff sergeant. He received numerous awards, including the Silver Star, Bronze Star, Purple Hearts and Valor awards for Army accomplishments and the Achievement Air Medal. He was a member of the Master Parachutes Halo Team with more than 1,100 jumps.He was an owner-operator of a trucking company and also worked as a truck driver for Birkey Farms Inc., Gibson City, Mich.A Mass of Christian burial was held Sept. 8 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Minonk. Burial was at St. Patrick Cemetery, Minonk, with military graveside rites.Calvert & Froelich Memorial Home, Minonk, was in charge of arrangements. Memorial gifts can be made to the family.