Gerold "Jerry" Lee VanBrocklin, 75, of Sweet Home passed away Jan. 12, 2023.

Jerry lived most of his adult life in Oregon where he raised his family. He lived in Cottage Grove for many years, where he owned his own auto body shop, "Cottage Grove Auto Body."

Due to his charismatic personality he was very well known in the community and loved by all.

In 2015, Jerry moved to Sweet Home to be with his current wife, Juanita. He then spent the next seven years of his life building new friendships and enjoyed his family.

He had a passion for rebuilding vintage cars and trucks and entering them into car shows, where he won many trophies. Out of the things that Jerry loved, he loved his family most of all.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Juanita VanBrocklin of Sweet Home; 10 children – Ed VanBrocklin (Chris Taylor) of Portland, Sherry (Shane) Zimmerman of Dayton, Jerry VanBrocklin Jr. of Missouri, Angela (Steve) Payne of Elverta, Calif., Kelly (Mark) Fisher of Shady Cove, Robin (Aaron) Johnson of Bridgman, Mich., Amanda (Matt) Demski of Eau Claire, Mich., Michael VanBrocklin of Cottage Grove, Michael (Mira) Hall of Sweet Home, and Kim (Paul) Friend of Harrisburg; brother Bill VanBrocklin of South Bend, Ind .; numerous nieces and nephews; 26 grandkids; and 17 great-grandkids.

He was preceded in death by his son, Matthew VanBrocklin in 2015; his parents, Bert and Esther VanBrocklin; grandson Jeremy VanBrocklin in 2022; and brother Bert VanBrocklin Jr. in 2004.

Condolences and contributions can be sent to Juanita VanBrocklin in care of Sweet Home Funeral Chapel, 1443 Long St., Sweet Home, OR 97386.

Sweet Home Funeral Chapel is handling the arrangements.