Jerome (Jerry) Lerner, 91 years young, went to his eternal rest on Sunday morning, the 1st of October, 2017. He was born in St. Louis MO, on April 19, 1926, to Maurice and Ida Lerner, of blessed memory. He was preceded in death by his loving brother, Bennett Lerner.

Jerry is survived by his wife and sweetheart of almost 70 years, Ethel Lerner; sons Gary (Cheryl) Lerner of Omaha NE, Dean (Deana) Lerner of Des Moines IA, and daughters, Donna (Stanley, of blessed memory) Wilensky and Eve Rudolph, both of St. Louis MO. He was a devoted and loving grandfather to twelve grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Lois Lerner, a nephew and nieces.

Jerry attended Soldan High School, and was a WWII veteran serving in the United States Navy. He was a men’s clothier with Downs Men’s Shops, Famous Barr, and Saks Fifth Avenue. In retirement, Jerry and Ethel enjoyed antique collecting, amassing an eclectic array of furniture and memorabilia. Jerry enjoyed sharing his knowledge of antiques, and opened Corner Antiques Store and booths at the Creve Coeur Antique Mall, where he artfully displayed much of his treasured collections.

As his beloved brother, Bennett, proclaimed at Jerry’s surprise 70th birthday party, “no one has ever said a negative or unkind word about Jerry, because there aren’t any.” He was a loving husband, a devoted father, a consummate grandfather and great-grandfather, a loyal friend to countless others, and a special person to everyone he met. BBQ ribs, fried chicken, Ethel’s matzo ball soup, Ted Drew’s Frozen Custard, Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Kisses, and chocolate Cokes were just a few of his culinary delights. His favorite restaurants are too numerous to mention.

Burial will take place at the New Mount Sinai Cemetery of St. Louis MO on Sunday, October 8, 2017 at 10:00 AM.

Donations in his memory may be sent to the American Diabetes Association, the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home of Omaha NE, the Jonathan Jonas Cancer Research Fund at Barnes Hospital, or a charity of your choice.