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BORN
1947
DIED
2015
Gerald Gettes Obituary
Born: Jan. 21, 1947; in Covington, KY
Died: Jan. 4, 2015; in North Chicago, IL
Gerald "Jerry" Lee Gettes, age 67, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Sunday, January 4, 2015, at James Lovell VA Hospital in North Chicago, Illinois.
Jerry was born January 21, 1947, in Covington, Kentucky to the late Harry "Bud" Gettes and Shirley Thompson. Jerry proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps from 1965 to 1971. He served two tours of duty in Vietnam. A proud member of the VFW, McHenry County Marine Corps League and the American Legion. He also volunteered for Toys for Tots for many years.
Upon returning home from the service, he was in the first graduating class for the EMT program in Illinois. He was also a firefighter for the Arlington Heights Fire Department and later worked as a police officer in Arlington Heights, Illinois. In his later years, he was a handyman and loved to help out with work that needed to be done for anyone who asked.
Jerry is survived by his best friend and partner in life, Marilyn V. Gettes. He is also survived by his children, Gretchen Gettes, Jamie (Jim) Shall, Jason Gettes, Julie Kamka, Joe Webb, Karen Webb, Dawn Chiodo, Josh Gettes and Nathan Gettes; mother, Shirley Thompson of Delhi, Ohio; and siblings, Pete (Rita) Gettes, Harold (Sue) Thompson, Millie (Bob) Kruse, Kim Thompson and Bobby (Terri) Thompson. Jerry was the proud grandfather of eleven and a great-grandfather of one.
Jerry loved his horses, crossword puzzles and starting projects he never finished. He also loved watching low budget movies on the SyFy Channel or horror movies on Chiller. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, January 25, 2015, at 3:00 p.m. at the Moose Lodge, 309 Lake Marian Road, Carpentersville, Illinois.
In lieu of flowers, contributions to the American Cancer Society in Jerry's name would be appreciated.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Gerald Gettes
George Harrison
June 3, 2015
I am so sorry to here of Jerry's passing.Although I haven't seen him in recent years, I have considered him as probably the best friend I ever had.
Robert Knabe
January 20, 2015
Try not to mourn his passing, better to celebrate his love of life and the many lives made better by his existence.
John & Kyle Eichinger
January 18, 2015
Marilyn and family, our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this sad time.
Dawn Chiodo
January 18, 2015
I will miss you always. Collin and I have another guardian angel watching over us. Thank you for serving our country and town. Until we see each other again. R.I.P. Dad. I love you!
Nancy Nelson
January 18, 2015
We are so sorry to lose Jerry. He was always such a friendly and helpful guy. It seemed he always had a smile on his face and he was always willing to pitch in and help whenever he could. He will be missed.
Lori Gettes- kubly
January 18, 2015
Love to you all
Joy Heckman
January 18, 2015
Our condolences to his children Gretchen and Jason. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Love Uncle Rob and Aunt Bee
Jamie Shall
January 18, 2015
We miss you! Please watch over us from heaven. Love you forever.
Fitz
January 18, 2015
RIP Marine, and Thank You for your service. AND Thank you for being a Father to my friend
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