Jerome “Jerry” “Papa Bear” L. Karpinski, 71, of Perrysburg, passed away on May 20, 2024, at St. Vincent Medical Center. He was born in Toledo, on April 19, 1953, to Leo C. and Genevieve L. (Stefanski) Karpinski.

Jerry married Jeanne M. Crane on August 20, 1976, and together raised their daughter, Karen. He worked for the Toledo Public Schools for 37 years. Jerry was a proud dad and avid score keeper for his daughter’s softball games. He was a faithful member of St. Rose Catholic Church, where he was a reader and Eucharistic minister. He was a Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus in the Perrysburg Knights of Columbus Council. He was a Harley Davidson enthusiast and member of the Glass City Harley Owners Group. Jerry was known to enjoy the little pleasures in life and could not say no to a good cigar.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Jeanne Karpinski; daughter, Karen (Ransom) McGeorge; grandsons, Chase and Gavin McGeorge; stepgrandson, Bryson McGeorge, and sister, Barbara (Norbert) Lukasik. He was preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Genevieve Karpinski, and brother, Thomas Karpinski.

Friends will be received at Witzler-Shank-Walker Funeral Home, 222 East South Boundary Street, Perrysburg, on Wednesday, May 29, from 1 to 7 p.m. A Funeral Mass will held be at St. Rose Catholic Church, 215 East Front Street, Perrysburg, on Thursday, May 30, at 10:30 a.m. Burial will follow at St. Rose Cemetery.

Those wishing to donate in Jerry’s name may consider Knights of Columbus Perrysburg Council 7978, 29101 Hufford Road, Perrysburg, Ohio 43551.