Richard "Jerry" Groner

Richard "Jerry" Groner, age 75, of Yorkville, IL, passed away on Saturday, January 27, 2007 at the Provena Mercy Center in Aurora, IL. He was born on March 27, 1931 in Aurora, IL, the son of Dr. Frederic M. and Pearl (nee Likeness) Groner.

Jerry was united in marriage on September 10, 1966 at the First United Methodist Church in Aurora, IL, to the former Janet Pigney, and they spent 40 happy years of their lives together. Mr. Groner was confirmed at the Yorkville United Methodist Church in Yorkville, IL. He proudly served his country with the United States Air Force during the Korean Conflict, having been stationed in Great Falls, Montana. He was employed, for 35 years, by the Northern Illinois Gas Company in its Payroll Accounting Department. From an early age, Jerry was an accomplished trumpet player. He was very patriotic and was honored to play "Taps" on his trumpet not only at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, IL, but at many veterans' funerals throughout the area. Jerry was a former member of the Roosevelt American Legion Post #84 Band and was Past President of the Aurora American Legion Band. He was also a life member and Past Commander of the Plano American Legion Post #395, and was also a member of the Forty & Eight. Jerry was a life member and Past Worshipful Master of the Kendall Masonic Lodge #471, and was, for many years, the Treasurer of its Building Association and was, at this time, acting secretary of the Lodge.

Mr. Groner was a past Yorkville Alderman, and at one time, was a member of the Yorkville Planning Commission. He was also a member of the Kendall County Veteran's Assistance Commission. Jerry was a member of both the Chicago Area Garden Railway Society, and the LGB Model Railroad Club of Chicago. Jerry lived in the same beautiful home in Yorkville throughout his entire life. He took great pride and pleasure in growing beautiful flowers, not only in his yard, but also in his greenhouse. Everyone that knew him knew that Jerry loved Yorkville and his country. In later years, he and his wife, Janet, enjoyed traveling. Jerry was a loving husband, father, and grandfather who will be deeply missed by his family and many friends.

He is survived by his wife, Janet Groner of Yorkville, IL; his sons, Michael Groner of Yorkville, IL, and Douglas (Carrie) Groner, of Sandwich, IL; and his grandsons, Cody and Corey Groner, of Sandwich, IL; his aunt, Ina Likeness of Peoria, IL; as well as two cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Frederic and Pearl Groner; his grandparents; as well as several aunts, uncles and cousins.

Funeral Services will be held at 10AM on Wednesday, January 31, 2007 at the Larson-Nelson Funeral Home, 410 E. Countryside Pkwy., Yorkville, IL with Pastor John Bell officiating. Interment will follow in the Elmwood Cemetery, Yorkville, IL.

Friends may visit from 3 until 9PM on Tuesday, January 30, 2007 at the Larson-Nelson Funeral Home, Yorkville, IL with a Masonic Service at 7PM.

Arrangements by Nelson Funeral Homes & Crematory 630-553-7611.