Jerry Semler’s deep faith led to leadership in archdiocesan stewardship efforts
By Sean Gallagher
Jerry Semler, a longtime Catholic philanthropic leader in the Archdiocese of Indianapolis, died on July 24. He was 86.
The Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on July 28 at St. Pius X Church in Indianapolis. Burial followed at Oaklawn Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Indianapolis.
A longtime leader in the broader Indianapolis community, Semler brought together his sharp business acumen with his deep Catholic faith, serving in leadership of two archdiocesan capital campaigns that raised some $200 million for the ministry of the Church in central and southern Indiana.
“Jerry, along with his wife Rosie and family, lived his baptismal vocation of the Catholic faith in its fullness of word, sacrament and service,” said Archbishop Charles C. Thompson. “He advised archbishops, pastors and other Church leaders in various ways, even serving on the Archdiocesan Investment Committee to the time of his death. He will be greatly missed. We keep his family in prayer.”
Jolinda Moore, executive director of the archdiocesan Office of Stewardship and Development, spoke about the spiritual roots of Semler’s involvement in financial support of the archdiocese.
“Jerry’s vision was to create a commitment to Christian stewardship as a way of life,” Moore said. “He knew bringing an awareness to giving of time, talent and treasure would improve one’s personal journey of faith. His commitment didn’t end when a campaign or project stopped, it aways continued.
“Just four or five months ago, Jerry called to ask how the United Catholic Appeal was progressing. He wanted to know that people were still committed to a generous life of stewardship.”
Jerry Doran Semler was born on March, 5, 1937, in Indianapolis.
He worked his way through his time as an undergraduate at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Ind., graduating in 1958. After serving in the Army National Guard, Semler joined OneAmerica (previously American United Life, an Indianapolis-based financial services business) as a trainee in 1959. He eventually rose to serve as its chief executive officer before retiring in 2004 as its chairman emeritus.
In the archdiocese, Semler helped lead the Legacy of Hope capital campaign in the late 1990s and the Legacy for Our Mission capital campaign about a decade later. He also provided key leadership for many years in the United Catholic Appeal and the Catholic Community Foundation, with he and his wife Rosie establishing the Semler Family Fund for Seminarian Education that aids men in formation for the priesthood for the archdiocese. Semler also served on the investment committee of the archdiocese’s Finance Council.
In the broader Indianapolis community, Semler provided leadership in Visit Indy, the Indiana Chamber of Commerce, the 500 Festival Foundation, United Way of Central Indiana, Indianapolis Repertory Theatre, Indiana Sports Corporation and the Indianapolis Museum of Art.
In higher education, Semler aided Marian University in Indianapolis, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology in Terre Haute, Purdue University and Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis.
Two Indiana governors awarded Semler the Sagamore of the Wabash, the highest award the Hoosier State gives one of its citizens. Although given awards by many organizations, Semler was most proud to be known as a husband, dad and grandfather.
He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Rosie, and his seven children, Dori Dodson, Kimmie Hamilton, Kristin Terrell, Sally Butler and Jack, Jeff and Michael Semler; 28 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
Memorial contributions can be made to Marian University in care of the Jerry and Rosie Semler Endowed Scholarship, Crossroads of America Council-Boy Scouts of America, St. Pius X Catholic Church or to his beloved Purdue University through the Jerry and Rosie Semler Athletic Scholarship. †