It is with a heavy heart that we share the news of the passing of Jerry Trolz. Jerry worked at Goshen Stamping for 43 years, the last 37 as owner.  We are all grateful for the foundation and core values Jerry built over his time. Outside of Goshen Stamping, Jerry was a passionate golfer. It was that love for the game that led him to buy Bent Oak Golf Course in Elkhart. He was also a generous benefactor to the community. For his philanthropic work, Jerry received the Guy Gunlach award for making a difference in the Elkhart Community and the Goshen Chamber Legacy Award for his 20 years as president of the Goshen Industrial Park.  Jerry generously supported many organizations through his time, talent, and treasure. Goshen Hospital, Kiwanis International, The Salvation Army, The Boys and Girls Club and the American Ladder Institute are just a few.  Jerry left a legacy the few can exceed and will be missed be everyone that knew him at Goshen Stamping.

“Jerry was an extraordinary person. He spent his life in service to others. The people who worked with him at Goshen Stamping received a rare and special gift in knowing him and sharing their lives with him. We miss him.”  – Eric Kus, Owner/CEO of Goshen Stamping

Born November 27, 1935 in Manchester, Michigan, Gerald “Jerry” Trolz passed away July 19, 2020 in Elkhart, Michigan. Jerry served as the President of Goshen Stamping from 1973-2016 and was an active ALI member. He helped organize the golf tournaments that were held at ALI meetings throughout the 1980s, making lifelong connections with fellow ALI board members and their families.

Keith Liskey, ALI board member and Senior Advisor at Strongwell, said:

“With Jerry, what you saw is what you got. An old-fashioned, intelligent, hard working, honest guy with a very big heart and no hidden agendas.”

Manny DeSantis, ALI board member and President and CEO of Valley Fastener Group, said:

“They don’t make them like him anymore but the one word that best described him to me was ‘class’.”

He will be missed by all of those who knew him at ALI. To read ALI’s full tribute to Jerry, including details on memorial contributions, click here.