Gerald Jay Kurlander, MD

Dr. Gerald Jay Kurlander  October 13, 1932 – April 23, 2025

Dr. Gerald "Jerry" Jay Kurlander, devoted family man, beloved physician, and pillar of the Indianapolis medical and philanthropic community, passed away in April 2025. He was 92.

Born in Cleveland, Ohio, on October 13, 1932, to Sidney Stuart and Helen Klor Kurlander, Jerry moved to Indianapolis as a teenager after his mother passed. He lived with his aunt’s family, working while attending Shortridge High School, graduating in 1950 with high honors. From a young age, Jerry radiated a quiet brilliance paired with a deep curiosity about the sciences and a remarkable sensitivity towards others--qualities that would define his life’s work and legacy.

Jerry earned his AB degree with Highest Honors from Indiana University in 1954 and graduated from the I.U. School of Medicine in 1957. Following his internship at The Philadelphia General Hospital, he completed his radiology residency at I.U. Medical Center in 1961 and went on to serve as Chief of Radiology at Patterson Army Hospital as a Captain in the U.S. Army Medical Corps.

Returning to Indiana University in 1963, Jerry became a leader in Indiana radiology. First, joining the IU medical school faculty, becoming the first pediatric radiologist at Riley Children's Hospital. Later, he was a founder of the radiology group at Community Hospital and served as Director of the Department of Radiology at Community Hospital. Dr. Kurlander continued to practice medicine until his retirement in 2000. During his career, Dr. Kurlander authored numerous scholarly articles and helped shape generations of physicians through both teaching and mentorship.

His professional accolades were many, including Fellowship in the American College of Radiology, leadership roles in the Indiana Roentgen Society and the Marion County Medical Society, and the prestigious Gold Medal Award from the Indiana Radiological Society. Yet those who knew him best understood that his greatest achievements were not only in the field of medicine—but in the lives he enriched with his compassion, wisdom, and boundless generosity.

Jerry was a man of depth and intellect, but also of warmth and humility. He had an extraordinary ability to take genuine interest in others’ stories, always listening more than he spoke, and offering quiet encouragement along the way. He was, by all accounts, the smartest man in the room—but would never say so. He built a legacy not just of knowledge, but of kindness.

Together with his beloved wife, Shirley Prince, whom he married on June 16, 1959, Gerald created a home grounded in love, learning, and service. The couple’s shared commitment to education and Jewish life led them to be founders of the Hebrew Academy of Indianapolis and later receive the HAI-Life Award for Distinguished Service. They were named to the Indiana University Presidents Circle in 2014.

Gerald’s deepest pride was his family. He is survived by his wife, Shirley Kurlander; children, Helen Kurlander (Asaf) Goldstein, Stuart Sidney Kurlander (David Martin), Eileen Joy Kurlander, and David Mark Kurlander, MD; and by his adored grandchildren, Eitan and Lauren Goldstein, Noah Shaw, Alivia Williamson and Eli, Jacob, and William Kurlander. He delighted in watching them grow, always encouraging them to live with purpose and heart.

Dr. Gerald Jay Kurlander leaves behind a legacy defined not only by professional excellence but by deep humanity. His life was a testament to what it means to care deeply, think critically, and give generously.

Services will be held at Aaron-Ruben-Nelson Mortuary, 11411 North Michigan Road, Zionsville, IN, on Sunday, April 27th at 10:30 AM. Burial will follow in Ohev Zedeck Cemetery.

Shiva will be held at the home Dr. David Kurlander, 3675 Earhart Dr,, Carmel IN 46074 from 5p-8p with services at 6pm on Sunday 27th, Monday 28th and Tuesday 29th.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Kurlander Family Fund at the Jewish Federation of Indianapolis or to the Kurlander Graduate Biology Fellowship through the Indiana University Foundation—two causes that reflect their lifelong commitment to giving and education.