Gerald Pelzer

Gerald E. Pelzer of St. Charles, Ill. and Palm Desert, Calif. died April 21, 2010 after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Survived by his loving wife, Patricia; daughter, Jennifer (David) Martay; grandsons, Trevor and Edward "Teddy" Martay; mother, Hazel Pelzer; and sister, Marlene (Robert) Likeness. Gerald was born September 11, 1938 in Aurora, Ill. He earned his B.S.C.E from Valparaiso University in 1960, M.B.A from Northwestern University in 1965, and a C.P.A. in 1969 for which he received the State Silver Medal and National Honorable Mention. He had a long and distinguished career in business working for Northern Illinois Gas Co. and Altschuler Melvoin and Glasser as a consultant before joining Clayton Brown & Associates, an investment banking firm headquartered in Chicago, in 1971. He retired as President and C.O.O. of the firm in 1995. After retiring he became involved in real estate, developing Oak Crest Properties in St. Charles, Ill. He also served as a Director of Aurora Bearing Co. in Aurora, Ill. Gerald volunteered his time and talent to a number of civic and professional organizations over his life. He served his alma mater Valparaiso University as a member of the Board of Directors for 15 years, including nine years as Chairman. He was recognized for his service to Valparaiso with the Lumen Christi Medal in 2000 and an Honorary Doctor of Laws in 2002. He also served as a member of the Board of Directors for the Desert Cancer Foundation in Palm Desert, Lutheran Home for the Aged, Tri City Family Services, Public Securities Association, Investment Company Institute and on various committees for the National Association of Securities Dealers. He was an avid golfer, a member of St. Charles Country Club for almost 40 years, a past club President, member of the board and chairman of the club's Charity Golf Outing for a number of years. He was also a member of Indian Ridge Country Club in Palm Desert, CA. He will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and son, an honorable businessman and a loyal friend. Memorial Services were held Wednesday, April 28, 2010 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in St. Charles, IL. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to one of the following: Desert Cancer Foundation, 74091 Larrea Street, Palm Desert, CA 92260; Lazarus House, 214 Walnut Street, St. Charles, IL 60174; or Tri City Health Partnership, 318 Walnut Street, St. Charles, IL 60174. For information please call Yurs Funeral Home 630-584-0060.
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