Jerald D. Freewalt

Jerald “Jerry” D. Freewalt of Columbus, Ohio dedicated his life to promoting human life, anti-poverty, global solidarity, and environmental causes in the Catholic Diocese of Columbus' Office for Social Concerns, first as a program coordinator, then as Associate Director and lastly as Director. Jerry strived to be a good citizen and live out the Corporal Works of Mercy. Over the years, Jerry led thousands of high school students and adults on service projects in central Ohio. Jerry has led the Notre Dame Urban Plunge for 20 years and the annual downtown Walking Stations of the Cross since 1996. He is a founder of ARCH (Accompanying Returning Citizens with Hope) a reentry program for returning citizens.  

Jerry led advocacy activities at the Ohio Statehouse and on Capitol Hill, including successful efforts to pass the legislation that led to the OhioRISE (Resilience through Integrated Systems and Excellence) program for multi-system youth. He was given the Champion of Children Award for his work on OhioRISE which continues to serve many children today. He served as board chair of the National Catholic Partnership on Disability.  His other leadership roles include service as a board member of Governor Dewine’s Faith-Based Initiatives board, J.O.I.N. (Joint Organization for Inner City Needs), SPICE (Special People in Catholic Education), chair of the Catholic Conference of Ohio's Department on Social Concerns, Council for Public Deliberation, and many others. 

Jerry was born in Van Wert, Ohio, on October 5, 1972, to Larry and Cheryl Freewalt.  As an active youth, he was a member of the Boy Scouts and led as State Chief Squire of the Columbian Squires. He is a graduate of Xavier University with a B.A. in political science and ran for the Xavier Cross Country Team. Jerry met his wife Karen at Xavier. He earned a master's degree from The Ohio State University in public policy and management. 

Jerry was very dedicated to his family. He coached baseball, flag football, and girls basketball. Jerry held committee roles in Boy Scouts and as a leader helped his son Alex build a flag retirement pit for VFW 4931 for his Eagle Scout project. Along with these roles he went on many backpacking trips and camping trips including Philmont Scout Ranch, New Mexico. Jerry was also heavily involved in his daughter’s sailing activities and was on the race committee and went to many regattas to see her. Being a sports fan Jerry was also very committed to watching his son Charlie compete in both High School Football and Wrestling. He loved to see his son Charlie’s band perform. Jerry loved hiking, fishing and being in nature. He told thousands of creative bedtime stories to his children. He is survived by his wife Karen A. Freewalt, and children Hannah, Alexander, and Charles; brother Jason and sister Rachel Reed as well as his parents Cheryl and Larry Freewalt and many more family members.

Friends who wish may call Tuesday 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. at EGAN-RYAN FUNERAL HOME, 403 E. BROAD ST.  Mass of Christian Burial will be Wednesday 10:00 am at St. Joseph Cathedral, 212 E. Broad St.  Burial Sunset Cemetery.  

The family requests contributions be made to The Catholic Foundation, 257 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio, 43215, noting Jerry Freewalt in the memo line, to support children with mental health needs. 

If you would like to read more about the impact Jerry had on this world, please the following article:

Learn more about Jerry Freewalt

If you would like to help Jerry's friends honor him, please consider contributing to The Jerry Freewalt Memorial Foundation 

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