Jerome “Jerry” Kula, age 57 of Munster, passed away Wednesday, April 1st, 2015, at Kindred Transitional Care in Dyer, IN, after a 30 year battle with the devastating effects of Multiple Sclerosis. Jerry was only 26 years old when he first started having symptoms of this debilitating disease. He was diagnosed at age 32, and has valiantly waged the battle against MS all these years.Jerry is survived by his wife of 36 years, Cindy (Burkat) Kula of Munster; his 2 loving children, Daughter, Jennifer (Jeff) Lowry of Schererville, and Son, Ryan Kula of Munster; Beloved Granddaughter, Alexa Lowry; Sister, Karen (Michael) Nance of Crown Point; numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins. Preceded in death by his beloved parents, Joseph and Lois (Bakken) Kula; sister, Donna Kula, and his grandparents. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 7th, 2015 from 2:00-5:00 pm and 6:00-8:00 pm, with a prayer service at 7:00 pm at Kish Funeral Home, 10000 Calumet Ave, Munster, IN. A Christian mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, April 8th, 2015 at 10:00 am, at St. Thomas More Roman Catholic Church, 8501 Calumet Ave, Munster, with a visitation from 9:30-10:00 am at the church. Interment will be private.Jerry was born on July 5th, 1957, and was raised in Gary, IN. As a child, he enjoyed playing with his train sets, and he also participated in little league, where he played 2nd base and his dad Joe was his coach. Jerry was always a hard worker. As a boy he had a paper route, worked at a gas station, and at A & P grocery store. He was a proud attendee of Bishop Noll Institute his first 3 years of high school, and completed his senior year at William A. Wirt High School in Gary in 1975.He began his career at Inland Steel on March 26, 1976 as a laborer and mechanic. On October 3, 1977, he began an apprenticeship leading to craft welder status in 1981. Jerry was a very accomplished welder, and during his time at Inland Steel, he was recognized several times with awards for suggestions that he proposed and that were adopted by Inland Steel. He worked for multiple departments, including the Weld Shop, Cold Strip, Coke Plant, and the Blast Furnace. Jerry’s illness forced him to retire in January 1995.Jerry was a member of St. Thomas More Roman Catholic Church in Munster. He enjoyed his cars, traveling to theme parks, fireworks, old western TV shows, going to the movies, and concerts. He loved music, especially from the 70’s, and some of his favorite groups were Chicago, Crosby, Stills, and Nash, Journey, Al Green, and Fleetwood Mac. Jerry’s favorite foods included popcorn, cheeseburgers, M&M’s, pizza, and any sweets that his wife Cindy baked. Jerry generously volunteered his time for his son Ryan’s Cub Scout troop in the 1990’s as Popcorn Dad. Jerry and his wife Cindy exhausted every possible treatment option to arrest the progression of his MS to no avail. As his health was deteriorating and Cindy could no longer care for him at home, he became a resident at Kindred Transitional Care in July 2003, where he resided until his passing. Just 2 days before he passed, Jerry expressed that he knew his time was near, and that he wished he could be here to see his beautiful little Granddaughter Lexi grow up.Jerry was a devoted Son, Dad, Grandpa, and Husband. His adult life was full of many health challenges. Although he will be missed greatly by so many, we are grateful to God for his life and relieved that his years of suffering have ended. In lieu of flowers, contributions to your favorite charity in Jerry’s name would be appreciated.