Jerry Mussatt passed away on June 1, 2026, at Oasis Hospice Home in Flossmoor, Illinois, just nine weeks after the passing of his beloved wife, Suzanne, at the same location. Born on May 2, 1942, in East Chicago, Indiana, to Jenny (Laverda) and Reno Mussatt, Jerry was 84 years young.

A lifelong resident of Northwest Indiana, Jerry excelled in basketball and track and field at Highland High School. He went on to earn a teaching degree from Indiana State University and began his career as a middle school teacher in Downers Grove, Illinois. It was there, during an orientation for new teachers, that he met Suzanne, the love of his life. They were married on August 20, 1966, and for nearly six decades shared a remarkable partnership, rarely spending a day apart.

After settling in Munster, Jerry joined the East Chicago school system, where he dedicated more than 40 years to teaching physical education and health at Block Middle School and West Side Junior High School. He was a respected coach and mentor, leading the seventh- and eighth-grade boys’ basketball teams at West Side for many years before serving as the varsity girls’ and boys’ golf coach at East Chicago Central High School.

Outside the classroom, Jerry’s greatest pastime was golf. A familiar presence at Scherwood Golf Course in Schererville, he became one of the region’s top amateur players and forged countless friendships through the game. It was a rare day when Jerry could run an errand around Northwest Indiana without being recognized by someone he had either taught or shared a round of golf with over the years. Yet even golf took a distant second to the love he had for Suzanne. Together, they traveled the world, creating important memories through their retirement years. Their greatest joy, however, was spending time with their family, especially their four grandchildren—Mila, Morgan, Nolan, and Madison—whom they adored.

Preceded in death by his wife Suzanne, his parents, and his sister, Mary Ann Whitacre, he leaves behind a loving family, including his sons and daughters-in-law, Jeffrey and Lynn Mussatt and David and Kathryn Mussatt, and his treasured grandchildren, whose lives were forever enriched by his love and devotion.

The family will have a private service. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to First Tee of Greater Richmond, Virginia, may be sent in care of Kish Funeral Home, 10000 Calumet Avenue, Munster, Indiana 46321, and are greatly appreciated.

To send flowers to the family or place a tree in memory of Jerry Mussatt, please visit our Tribute Store.