Gerald (Jerry) Patrick Stricker, 69, Cincinnati, Ohio, passed away Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at UC Medical Center in Cincinnati. Jerry was born in Cincinnati on December 31, 1955, the son of Vincent and Patricia (Keller) Stricker. He was a 1974 graduate of Amelia High School. In 1983, he was a childcare worker at Millcreek Psychiatric Center. There, he met Cindy Hudak, whom he was married to for several years and had three children. He worked throughout Ohio as an addiction counselor in treatment centers, as well as a number of service-oriented positions, including postal delivery carrier, corrections officer, and customer service agent for airlines.
After retiring from Delta Airlines in 2008, Jerry began volunteering his time at the local street ministry and food pantry in Wilmington, Ohio. His occasional time spent volunteering turned into a full-time commitment, and he joined the Sugartree Ministries staff. His heart for the homeless, the poor, and the broken became driven with compassion and concern. He was most satisfied when he could engage with them and help meet their needs. Over the past 20 years, besides Sugartree Ministries in Wilmington, Jerry has served at Lima Rescue Mission, Lima, OH; City Gospel Mission, Cincinnati, OH; and Greater Cincinnati Behavioral Services, Cincinnati, OH. Four years ago, he and his wife Pam started Streetlight Ministries, an outreach to the poor and homeless, which was born out of a vision to minister and serve the homeless freely.
Jerry is survived by his wife, Pamela (Mills) Stricker, of 34 years; son, John (Stephanie) Butler of Bethany, MO; son Jacob Butler of Harrison, AR; daughter Darcy (Scott) Gallagher of Perry, OH; daughter Keena Stricker of Cincinnati; daughter Kara (Evan) Sheldon of Cincinnati; son Joshua (Lizett) Stricker of Rogers, AR; sister Robin (Don) Carnahan of Bethel, OH; brother Mitchell (Debbie) Stricker of Cincinnati; sister Tawna Hill of Cincinnati; grandchildren Morgan, Melody, Shay, Jessie, Mason, Alyssa, Jacob, Jayden, Danielle, Benjamin, Theodore, Johnathon, Griffin and Zachariah along with 11 great grandchildren and beloved nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother Tab Stricker and his granddaughter Amber Hilger.
Jerry’s giant heart was full of love for his family, those he served, and all he met. His joy for life and ability to meet folks on their level were at the core of his being. He was a true Cincinnatian, loving all the classic favorites the city has to offer. Spending time in nature lifted his spirits. He loved God with a passion and is at peace back in his heavenly home.
Please join us for his celebration of life on September 27, 2025, at Crossroads East Side, 4450 Eastgate S Dr, Cincinnati, OH 45245. Visitation begins at 10 am in the chapel. Service follows at noon.