GERALD DEAN POEL “JERRY”

1933-2021

Gerald (Jerry) Dean Poel was born in Lafayette, Indiana, the second of identical twins, to Virginia Johnson and Lawrence Ray Poel on November 29, 1933. His twin brother, Lawrence H. Poel, preceded him in birth and death. Jerry also had three half brothers, Stephen R. Johnson, whose father was Robert O. Johnson, and Lanny and Tom Poel, whose mother was Margaret Poel.

Jerry married Corinne Nibbelink on July 31st,

1955, while they were both attending Purdue University. Their first child, Cynthia, was born in Lafayette, Indiana, in December 1956, followed by Jeffrey in December 1959, and Jennifer in June 1961, both in Sacramento, California. Their fourth child, Christina, was born in Webster, Texas, in October 1976.

In addition to a Bachelor of Science degree in Aeronautical Engineering from Purdue University (1957), he later earned a Master of Science degree in Computer Systems Design from the University of Houston in 1984. He was employed as an aeronautical engineer working on liquid rocket engines first used in ballistic missiles from 1957 until 1984, when he switched careers the first time to go to work for Boeing and then Lockheed on various projects, including the Apollo program at the NASA Johnson Space Center. He had gained expertise in both liquid and solid rocket engines that were essential to the Lunar Landing program, and his name appears with many others on a plaque left on the moon’s surface. Somewhere along the way, he became a partner in a private company that was able to help David Vetter, the “Bubble Boy”, remain germ free for the last 2 years of his life. For a period of 14 years, he also held a Critical Nuclear Weapons Design Information clearance, one of the highest security clearances the Department of Defense can provide.

He retired from Lockheed in September 1994 and switched careers a second time, helping Corinne with her home day care business. He became an expert in tender loving care for the babies --- changing diapers, rocking them to sleep and chasing them around the house and backyard. He said that was the best job he ever had!

Jerry designed and maintained many websites and devoted many hours repairing computers for seniors and volunteering at HAL-PC Senior Learning Center as well as Meals on Wheels. He would not accept payment for his services, as he loved to give back to others. He had a very unique sense of humor and delighted in getting a laugh or two! Jerry died at home on February 18, 2021, with his beloved wife and his oldest and youngest daughters present, after suffering almost a decade from progressive dementia.