Jerome "Jerry" Henry Polman, died May 26, 2013.

Jerry was born in Kimberly, Wis., in 1929, to John and Ann (Sweere) Polman.

Jerry was a 3rd Class Petty Officer aboard the Aircraft Carrier USS Lake Champlaign during the Korean War. He was an "engine man" responsible for the main engine on the ship, a trade that would serve him well throughout his life.

After the war, Jerry went on to become a superintendent with Kimberly Clark Paper Mills in his home state of Wisconsin.

Moving to Georgia in 1981, Jerry became involved in the homebuilding business and was a general contractor until his retirement in the late 90s.

Living and boating on Lake Lanier for the past quarter century, Jerry was a champion fisherman well known for his secret recipe of herbs and spices that made his fish fry a much coveted invitation.

He was also an avid outdoorsman who spent many hours in the woods hunting a variety of animals. He often remarked that Mother Nature was his religion and he was a faithful steward of her trust.

He always respected the beauty of the outdoors and the more extreme the conditions, the deeper his respect for his surroundings. Jerry found great pleasure in the simple things, a healthy vegetable garden, a soaking rain and a ride across the lake as the sun comes up.

Survivors include his wife, Gwen Ivy Polman; daughters, Pam and Marty Daly, Lily and Bob Hahn, Jackie Rogers, Jill and John Graffio, Holly and Brad Sims; sons, Jeff and Martha Polman, Matthew and Kirsten Polman; 22 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; dear friends, Kristie Myers and Kay Goodwin; various other relatives also survive.

Memorial services were held at 5 p.m. May 28 in the Bearden Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Bobby Whitmire officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials were requested made to the Dawson County Kiwanis Club, c/o Regina Varnadoe, United Community Bank, P.O. Box 159, Dawsonville, GA 30534, who will be placing an outdoor memorial in the his memory.

Bearden Funeral Home of Dawsonville was in charge of the arrangements.