Gerald D. "Jerry" Vesey

1954 - 2024

OREGON, IL ~ Gerald "Jerry" D. Vesey, 70, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 15, 2024, at Generations at Neighbors nursing home of Byron, IL. He was born on August 9, 1954, in Asuncion, Paraguay, the son of Donald & Claris (Rohrer) Vesey. He graduated from Queen Anne High School, Seattle, WA in 1972 before becoming a chef at several different country clubs in WA, AK, CO and WI and hospitals in WI and IL. He met the love of his life, Mari Gibeaut, in 1985, and the two married in Beloit, WI, on February 14, 1987. The family moved to Illinois in 1999 when he took on the roles of Food Service Manager and Assistant Camp Manager of Rock River Christian Camp, Polo, IL. Jerry had a deep love for his faith and was a member of the Evangelical Free Church of Mt. Morris, IL. Having been a missionary kid himself, he enjoyed working on the Missions Ministry Team with the church as well as with the youth group. He was a Boy Scout leader for many years from Tiger Cubs through his son's Eagle Scout award and beyond. Outside of his faith, he was an avid Packers fan, and also enjoyed baseball, trivia and especially Jeopardy. He was very easy going and a people person, always taking time to introduce himself to his neighbors. He is preceded in death by his parents Donald & Claris. He is survived by his loving wife of 37 years, Mari Vesey of Oregon, IL; children John Vesey of Dubuque, IA; Marissa (John) Foss of Oregon, IL; brothers Donald Vesey of CA; Larry (Linda) Vesey of VA; Ken (Christina) Vesey of TX; and many nieces, nephews and friends. A visitation will take place at the Evangelical Free Church of Mt. Morris on Saturday, January 4, 2025, at 10:00 AM. A memorial service led by Pastor Bruce McKanna will begin at 11:00 AM. Memorials to the Evangelical Free Church of Mt Morris or Rock River Christian Camp, Polo, IL are established in his name. To leave an online condolence or plant a tree in his memory please visit www.farrellhollandgale.com