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Jerome Staats, age 81, of Jasper, Indiana, passed away on Monday, March 16, 2026, at St. Charles Health Campus in Jasper.

Jerome was born in Spencer County on August 18, 1944, to John and Rosina (Obermeier) Staats. He married Sandra Rogers on June 30, 1984. She preceded him in death on January 15, 2026. 

He worked at Kaiser Steel for many years.

He was a simple man and enjoyed fishing, hunting, bird watching, and spending time with family and friends.

He is survived by two daughters: Desiree Staats, Kingman, AZ; Francesca “Rose” (Justin) Duke, Casselberry, FL; two stepchildren: Kay (Keith) Villarreal, Harriman, TN; Denise (Deryl) Flagg Homosassa, FL; two grandchildren, one great-grandchild, one brother, Kenny (Pansy) Friedman, and one sister Pauline Wood. 

Besides his wife, he is preceded in death by his parents, one sister, Karen and one brother, Kevin Friedman.

A Celebration of Life for Jerome Staats will be held at a later date.

Online condolences may be made at www.becherkluesner.com.