Robert L. Jerles, Sr.

Robert Lee Jerles, Sr., age 95, went to meet his heavenly father on August 4, 2025, at his home in Bolivar. He was surrounded by his wife and children.

He was born in Highland Twp, Muskingum County, Ohio on July 2, 1930, to Homer Bates Jerles and his wife, Garnet Bernadine Wymer Jerles. He graduated from New Concord High School in 1949 and entered the US Army in Sept 1951. After completing basic training at Ft. Knox, Kentucky, he was sent to Korea with the 25th infantry division where he was promoted to the rank of sergeant. He was discharged in August 1953.

On October 6, 1953, he married LaRita Braglin in Liberty, Indiana. They moved to Tuscarawas County, Ohio and raised six children in New Philadelphia. Robert was employed by W.E. Quicksall & Associates for over thirty years as a surveyor. His children remember how he would leave early in the morning and get home about 12 hours later. In the mid-1960s he leased and ran a golf driving range for several years. His three oldest children would work there during the day. Robert was an avid raccoon hunter and enjoyed hunting with friends and occasionally one of his sons or sons-in-law.

Several years after LaRita died in 1992, he met and married Mary Ann Thomas on July 15, 1997. They lived in Bolivar, Ohio. He was a member of the Bolivar Community Church. He and Mary Ann enjoyed traveling in the early years of their marriage. Robert loved to watch the Cleveland Indians (Guardians) and the Cleveland Browns on TV. His children credit their work ethic to him and describe him as humble, reserved, friendly, and kind. He loved his family and showed it by being the lone provider for his family so that Rita could stay home with their children.

Surviving family includes his brother Ed (Pat) Jerles of Newark, his sons, Robert Lee (Karen) Jr. of Stephens City, Virginia, Scott (Cindy) of Dover, his daughters, Lana Jerles of Dover, Kathy (Gene) Stefani, Lisa Reed and her partner, Geoff of New Philadelphia, his son-in law Larry Minnis of Dover and step-daughter, Heather Muster of Canton, eleven grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren with another one due in October. He is predeceased by his first wife, LaRita Jerles, his parents, Homer and Bernadine Jerles, five siblings, his daughter Bonnie Minnis, grandson Robert (Rob) Jerles III, and stepson Eric Muster.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 7, 2025 from 9 to 11 AM in the Geib Funeral Center at Dover where a funeral service will begin at 11 AM with Pastor Lee Randolph officiating. Burial will follow in Dover Burial Park at Dover where the New Philadelphia VFW Post 1445 will provide military honors.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to Aultman Hospice and caregivers Jade and Crystal for the excellent care he received. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Aultman Hospice, c/o The Aultman Foundation, 2600 Sixth Street SW, Canton, Ohio 44710.