PEORIA - Gerald "Jerry" VanWinkle, age 75, of Peoria passed away on Friday, Aug. 9, 2013, at Heartland Healthcare in Peoria.
Jerry was born on March 23, 1938, in Peoria to John D. and Velda M. (Foster) VanWinkle. He married Carol Hagel on Oct. 2, 1970, in Havana, Ill.
She survives, along with his children, Lynn Kerley of Varna, Ill., Mark (DiAnna) Kerley of Fiatt, Ill., Jerry (Kelly) Kerley of Pekin, Ill., and Michelle (Rob) Banta of Canton, Ill.; 11 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; his niece, Rhonda Dyess of Texas; and his sister-in-law, Kay VanWinkle.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Ron VanWinkle.
Jerry graduated from Manual High School and attended Bradley University for mechanical engineering.
He retired from Caterpillar as a journeyman millwright, working in Research and Development at the Mossville Tech Center.
Jerry was a life member of Illinois Lodge 263, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, and Mohammed Shrine. He was also a life member of the Society of Hospitalers, past Thrice Potent Master and life member of the Valley of Peoria Scottish Rite and life member of AMVETS (Army National Guard).
Other organizations include Midwest Gun Collectors, for which he had taught basic safety; and Midwest Cruisers Association, where Jerry enjoyed showing his 1979 green Ford truck at cruise-ins.
He also enjoyed spending time at Wildlife Prairie Park and with his horses, Bobbie and Sissy.
Cremation rites will be accorded and a visitation will be held on Friday, Aug. 16, 2013, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Davison-Fulton Woodland Chapel in Peoria. Masonic services will be at 6:30 p.m.
Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association.
Online condolences may be made through davison-fulton-woodland-chapel.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Carol VanWinkle, wife.
August 16, 2013
I'm so sorry for your loss, Carol!
I am also sorry I could not make it to Jerry's celebration of life for I am out of town.
I will always remember Jerry as the friend who I always had great conversations with. I will miss his candor and humor! God Bless him and God Speed.
Cary and Joy Franks
August 15, 2013
Carol,
Both Joy and I want to let you know how special we will always remember Jerry and have him and you in our prayers.
Cary and Joy Franks
August 15, 2013
Carol, So sorry for your loss.We have you in our prayers.Jerry was a wonderful person. Steve & Michelle Fouts, Hanna City, Il
Ford and Pam Conley
August 15, 2013
May the recollection of cherished memories and the passage of days bring healing peace to your hearts.
Brian Elsasser
August 14, 2013
Carol, My thoughts and prayers are with you. More importantly, Jesus is very near you. Brian Elsasser
August 14, 2013
Carol, My thoughts and prayers are with you. More importantly, Jesus is very near you. Brian Elsasser
Pam Palmer
August 14, 2013
Dear Carol,
My deepest sympathy on Jerry's passing. I enjoyed seeing him when our group was together and he always reached out to talk with me. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Lance & Janet Randall
August 14, 2013
Dear Carol & Family:
We are deeply saddened by the loss of your dear husband and father. May you always remember the wonderful days and times that were had by all in your family. Our thoughts and prayers to you and all.
Jerry Brown
August 14, 2013
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
1965
August 14, 2013
Renee and Mark Spenny
August 13, 2013
Dear Carol, We are so sorry to here of Jerry's passing. He was such a caring individual.
Renee Farris
August 13, 2013
Carol, So sad to hear the loss of "Your Jerry" I know how much you loved each other. The memories you have will be cherished forever! You are in my thoughts and prayers!
George & Marian Fidler
August 12, 2013
Dear Carol. We are so very sorry about Jerry passing I will miss him alout we had fun in the Mason's too so our thoughs and prayers your with you .
George & Marian Fidler
Ed & Betty Atchley
August 12, 2013
Dear Carol, We are both very saddened by the passing of our good friend Jerry. The wonderful "Gallery of Pictures" you shared brought back the wonderful memories of the good times we had with the horses, parades and Shrine functions. We will truly miss him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you now.
Valerie Bridges
August 12, 2013
Carol,
I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Wayne & Jody Bauer
August 12, 2013
Carol,
We are very sorry for your loss. Wayne and I are very happy to have met both of you, and for all the help you gave us with the house. Wayne enjoyed spending time with Jerry and for all the help working on his tractor.
Mary Kay O'Brien
August 12, 2013
Carol and family - you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Gayla & Trevor Walker
August 12, 2013
We are so sorry for your loss. We have wonderful memories of Jerry, he was a great guy and will be missed by many people.
Rosemary Powell
August 12, 2013
Dearest Carol ~ Although we are far away, please know that Dick and I share your grief in losing Jerry, your beloved husband and dearest friend. Also know that I am here for you at any hour, and at any time. Love, Rosemary
Carol and Dan Perkins
August 12, 2013
Carol,
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Jennifer and Randy Stevens
August 12, 2013
Carol,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
August 12, 2013
R.I.P. Jerry and prayers to your family. Norma (Hill) Frasco Class of '56.
Jacqueline Frasco France
August 12, 2013
Was shocked and saddened to hear of Jerry's passing.
My condolences to the whole family. It was nice to see all the wonderful family photos.
Sharon Williams
August 11, 2013
Jerry will be missed. My thoughts and prayers to Carol and family. He was truly one of the best and I will miss his hugs.
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Davison-Fulton Woodland Chapel2021 North University Street, Peoria, IL 61604
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