Jerold R. Cordrey

1927 - 2014

Jerold R. "JerrY" Cordrey Born: May 21, 1927; Hillsdale, MI Died: Jan. 31, 2014; Crystal Lake, IL Jerold R. "Jerry" Cordrey, age 86, of McHenry, died Friday, January 31, 2014, at Sunrise of Crystal Lake. He was born May 21, 1927 in Hillsdale, MI to Howard Roscoe and Helen Irene (Mosher) Cordrey. On August 21, 1954, he married Eve Belle Church in Angola, IN. A veteran of the U.S. Navy as a seaman 1st class, he served from 1946 to 1948 and received a World War II Victory Medal. Jerry was a resident of McHenry since 1970, moving from Wheaton, where he resided for over 10 years. He earned a B.S. degree from Hillsdale College in Hillsdale, MI, and studied as a post-graduate at Michigan State University. Jerry was employed for 41 years as the Director of Training for the American Farm Bureau. His lengthy career enabled him to coordinate AFB meetings in all but one state in the U.S. prior to his retirement in 1992. He was a member of St. Paul 's Episcopal Church in McHenry, the McHenry Moose Lodge, Delta Sigma Phi, and served as a precinct committeman. An avid boater who loved the river, he also enjoyed playing bridge and spending time with his family. Survivors include his wife of 59 years, Eve; three children, Timothy (Judy) Cordrey of Baraboo, WI, Denise Koch of McHenry, and Carole (Rodney) Ackerman of McHenry; seven grandchildren, Rachel, Jeremy, Katie, Bridget (Adam) Nelson, Callie (Ryan) Tessema, Nathan Koch, and Lucas (Brittany) Ackerman; nine great grandchildren, Josie, Sophie, Grey, Cole, Alyssa, and Tyson, Jennifer, Christina, Elliot; and a sister, Patricia Jane Partridge of Washington. He was preceded in death by a son, Eric Howard Cordrey in 1974; and a brother, Howard Pressler Cordrey. Friends may visit with his family on Friday, February 7, from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. at St. Paul Episcopal Church, 3706 W. St. Paul 's Avenue, McHenry. The memorial service will be at 11 a.m. at church followed by inurnment in the church columbarium. For those wishing to send an expression of condolence, his family suggests memorials to Family Alliance or to St. Paul 's Episcopal Church. For information, please call the funeral home at 815-385-2400, or visit www.justenfh.com, where friends may leave an on-line condolence message for his family.