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Jerry Zuspann Obituary
Springfield, IL—Jerry Lynn Zuspann, 79, of Springfield, died at 5:45 p.m. on Thursday, June 25, 2020, at his home.
Jerry was born November 22, 1940, in Youngstown, IL, the son of Lindquist and Erma Smith Zuspann. He married Evelyn Stoller in 1962 and they had two sons, David and Jeff. They divorced in 1985 and he later married Barb Mathiot on March 3, 1990, in Springfield.
Jerry spent most of his childhood years in Walnut Grove, IL. He would spend his days playing basketball in his neighbor's barn during the winter and playing baseball with his dad. Jerry graduated from Bushnell Prairie City High School in 1958 and earned his bachelor's degree from Western Illinois University in 1962. He was employed as a teacher for 40 years; two years in Peoria, 35 years for Springfield District 186, and three years at Springfield High School. Jerry also coached Khoury League with his two sons for six years and track and golf at Springfield High School. The family traveled with 16 Springfield area high school students on a pilgrimage to the Soviet Union. Barb and Jerry also traveled on several cruises to the Caribbean and took trips to Hilton Head, SC, Alaska, Hawaii, and Thailand with friends which provided many wonderful memories. He enjoyed flowers, riding tandem bikes, playing golf, being outdoors, Christmas, feeding the birds, but above all else spending time with his family. Jerry was also an avid St. Louis Cardinals and Golden State Warriors fan.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Norman Dale Zuspann; and daughter-in-law, Caroline Mathiot.
Jerry is survived by his wife, Barb Zuspann of Springfield; sons, David (Staci) Zuspann of Grand Rapids, MI and Jeff (Julie) Zuspann of Middletown, DE; step-sons, Brian Mathiot and Murph (Jennifer) Mathiot, both of Springfield; grandchildren, Ashley (Joey) Salamone, Jack Zuspann, Michael (Sarah) Zuspann, Alexa Zuspann, Brianna Zuspann, and Trent Zuspann; step-grandchildren, Josh Mathiot, Emma Mathiot, T.J. Mathiot, and McKenna Mathiot; great-grandchildren, Olivia, Bennett, and Camden Salamone, with one on the way;sister-in-law, June Zuspann of Warner Robins, GA; and four nephews.
Cremation was provided by Butler Cremation Tribute Center prior to ceremonies.
Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 30, 2020, at Bushnell Cemetery.
A Memorial Gathering and Ceremony will be held at First United Methodist Church at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church, 2941 S. Koke Mill Rd., Springfield, IL 62711 or Piper Glen Beautification Fund, 7112 Piper Glen Drive, Springfield, IL, 62711.
The family is being served by Butler Funeral Home-Springfield, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield, IL 62703.
Please visit butlerfuneralhomes.com to offer your condolences.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Jerry Zuspann
Sponsored by Butler Funeral Home & Cremation Tribute Center - Springfield.
Cheryl Wubker
July 5, 2020
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief. What a great example of a God loving man! Jerry and Barb made a permanent impression on me of Christian love and marriage! How wonderful to know where his eternal life will be.
Sharon Pine
July 3, 2020
Mr. Zuspann was my social studies teacher at Franklin Junior High around 55 years ago. I don't remember many of my teachers at Franklin but Mr. Zuspann I remember. May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Scotti (Susan) McAuliff Cohn
July 3, 2020
One of my all-time favorite teachers at Franklin Junior High School and Springfield High (1960s).
Judy Greenan
June 30, 2020
Jerry was a wonderful person!! Always made us laugh!! We will miss him so very much!!! Gods blessing on the family!!
Diane and Erma Duitsman
June 29, 2020
God has been glorified through Jerry's life. His faith displayed in his Christian life (in both good and difficult times) was an example for all us. Our thoughts and prayers remain with you Barb and the entire family.
DeAnna Farr Fisher
June 28, 2020
Barb and family,
So sorry to hear of Jerrys passing. I have many fond memories. Ill be thinking of you all.
Julie Duffy
June 28, 2020
Barb and Family, you are in my Thoughts and Prayers !
Laurel Coutrakon Rice
June 28, 2020
Dear David. I used to babysit for you. Your dad was my social studies teacher at Franklin. He thought I was responsible, and I lived in the neighborhood on Cherry Road. You were just a baby, and you slept all the times that I was with you. Of course, your dad was a favorite teacher, and a good teacher. I am so sorry for your loss and for your whole family's loss. Mr. Zuspann was a wonderful teacher.
Janice Hoellerich Johnson
June 27, 2020
He was a wonderful teacher! I learned a lot in his class at SHS in the late 70s.
So sorry to hear of his passing.
Mary Ellen creighton
June 27, 2020
Jerry was a great guy with an everlasting smile on his face.
So sorry about your loss. God will bless you and your family And gather you close in His arms at this difficult time.
Norma Browning-Gordon
June 27, 2020
Jerry was a true Christian gentleman and an EXCELLENT teacher. No question, he loved his students and respected his co-workers. I was privileged to have known and worked with him when I was a secretary in the SHS Office. Your pain is in my heart. Please know you are in my prayers.
Mike Patterson
June 27, 2020
My condolences to Barb, Dave and Jeff and all extended family. I have fond memories of Jerry as my Khoury league baseball coach. He was a very kind man.
For the record, we did beat Larry L Evans in a practice game at Colony West park. Sorry Mr Meckes. He was very proud of his team.
Angela Grable
June 27, 2020
I only met Jerry a few months ago but he made such a huge impression on me. With all he was going through with his health, Jerry remained positive. He took his daily walks and smiled at everyone he saw. He was looking forward to the pool we are installing across the street from his house. He left us the day before they broke ground. I am sure he is watching the pool become a reality from above. I only wish he had stayed another couple weeks so he could have got his feet wet just once. You will be missed by so many people. You were obviously treasured by many as I watched people come and go everyday just so they could visit with you one last time. RIP Mr. Zuspann
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