Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Jerry Kirman Obituary
PEORIA - Jerry L. Kirman, 73, of Peoria passed away at 12:13 p.m. on Tuesday, May 10, 2011, at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 14, 2011, at First English Lutheran Church in Peoria, with the Rev. Dr. James Lillie officiating. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. today at Clary Funeral Home, 428 W. McClure Ave. in Peoria. Additional visitation will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at the church. Cremation rites will be accorded following services.
Jerry was born in Kewanee on April 11, 1938, a son of Everett and Helen (Ouart) Kirman. He married Bonnie Lou (Keime) on Nov. 18, 1957, in New Buffalo, Mich. She preceded him in death on Jan. 25, 2007.
He also was preceded in death by his parents; son, Brian Keith Kirman; one brother; and one sister.
He is survived by his daughter, Kay (Peter Lewandowski) Kirman of San Francisco, Calif.; son, Kevin (Lori Ayers) Kirman of Peoria; brother, Richard Kirman of Chillicothe; and nephews, Chad Kirman of Chillicothe and Rob Kirman of Oklahoma.
Jerry grew up on a farm in rural Kewanee. After marrying and starting a family, they moved to Peoria in 1963.
He was a route salesman for Pepsi for many years throughout the greater Peoria area and was awarded Employee of the Year in 1998.
With his playful sense of humor, he was always good for either a practical joke or a hearty laugh. He maintained that joie de vivre until the end.
Jerry was formerly a U.S. Army Reservist and a member of First English Lutheran Church, AMVETS Post 64 and the Corrington Neighborhood Watch.
Memorial contributions may be made in Jerry's memory to the Peoria Animal Welfare Shelter (PAWS).
Jerry's memorial website and online condolences may be accessed at www.ClaryFunerals.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Jerry Kirman
Diane Bishop (Piper)
May 17, 2011
Kevin
It,s been years since I've seen you and your family. I keep you and your family in My Thoughts and Prayers.
Andrea White
May 16, 2011
Kay and Kevin - I worked with Bonnie at Steger's and I loved both your mom and dad. They were such sweet people and they always had something nice to say. Since Bonnie died, Jerry and I have exchanged Christmas cards and letters keeping each other up to date on our lives. I am so sorry to hear of his passing, but I am happy that he and Bonnie have been reunited beyond this world. I miss them both.
Brenda Janes
May 14, 2011
RIP!! My beloved friend!! We shared so many wonderful days together, but I had hoped for many more. I know that Bonnie was waiting for you with open arms, and I rejoice in that thought. I am a better person to have known the both of you and miss you both very much.
Paul & Tina Martindale
May 14, 2011
We are very sad to hear about Jerry Our love and thoughts are with you both Kay and Kevin.
How you can show support
Follow
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Julie Reynolds
May 13, 2011
Kay, I'm so sorry to hear. Thinking of you. Call me, 648-1313
Beverly (Moyer) Turpin
May 13, 2011
Kevin,our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Tim Whitby
May 13, 2011
Thinking of you and your family at this very difficult time.
Joleen Hatton Parsons
May 13, 2011
Kevin, my thoughts are with you and your family.
Jeannie Herbst
May 13, 2011
Knowing Jerry was knowing a second father, friend & life line for me. He could make you laugh when you thought you couldn't. He would listen when you needed to really talk. He would appear when you needed help. He would forgive you when you were drinking a Diet Coke instead of a Diet Pepsi. He is now with Bonnie & that gives me peace. It is appropriate that memorials be made to PAWS because he was the true sense of "unconditional love." I miss him & Bonnie & always will. - Make them laugh up there in heaven Jerry!
Lori McDonald
May 13, 2011
Kevin, my thoughts and prayers are with you at this very trying time. May you have the support of family and friends in this healing process.
Debbie Westlake
May 13, 2011
Jerry was a gentleman with a kind heart and a great sense of humor. When I worked at Steger's with Bonnie, smiles were put on our faces when she said "Jerry was stopping by". He was one who could always get you to laugh. He always had something of interest to share whether it be something he read or he was keeping us up to date on the weather. He and Bonnie were always there if you needed a helping hand and were a four-legged friends best friend. They were loved by all that knew them because they were down to earth good people with huge hearts. I can smile knowing that Bonnie has her Jerry back with her...you rarely saw one without the other.
Showing 1 - 11 of 11 results
Make a Donation
in Jerry Kirman's name
Memorial Events
for Jerry Kirman
How to support Jerry's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Jerry Kirman's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
