Jerome "Jerry" L. Fiala

Mr. Jerome “Jerry” L. Fiala of Visalia and former resident of Porterville went to be with the Lord on Saturday, November 7, 2009 at the age of 86.  Mr. Fiala was born on August 10, 1923 in Spencer, Nebraska to Joseph and Vlasta Fiala.  He graduated from Spencer High School with the Class of 1941.  Jerry served in the United States Army and was a proud WWII Veteran.  In 1953, he married Donna Mae (Mainord), and they made their home in Porterville, California.  Jerry worked as a Peace Officer for the Porterville Police Dept. for many years before retiring in 1985.  As an avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, woodworking, and spending time with family and friends.  Jerry was a former member of Tulare First Assembly of God Church.  He will be best remembered as a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather.  He will be greatly missed.

He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Donna Mae Fiala of Visalia; two daughters:  Lynn Coleman, and husband Jim, of Tulare; Patti Tyra, and husband Rev. Gary Tyra, of Yorba Linda; a son, Jasper Phipps, and wife Gloria of Mustang, Oklahoma; a sister, Vivian Schmidt of O'Neill, Nebraska; 7 grandchildren; and many nephews, nieces and beloved extended family.  He was preceded in death by two brothers, Leo and Lumir Fiala, and two sisters, Helen Lincoln and Olga York.

A graveside service will be held Friday, November 20, 2009, 3:00pm at Hillcrest District Cemetery in Porterville. 

A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday November 21, 2009, 2:00pm at Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel in Visalia. 

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Salser and Dillard Funeral Chapel.

Condolences may be e-mailed to salseranddillard@aol.com.