Gerald L. "Jerry" Nanouski

1956 - 2021

Gerald L. "Jerry" Nanouski
Born: July 5, 1956 in Ottawa, IL
Died: November 2, 2021 in Ottawa, IL
Gerald L. "Jerry" Nanouski, 65, of Naplate passed away unexpectedly on November 2, 2021.
Funeral services will be held at 11 am, Monday, November 8 at Ottawa Funeral Home, with Pastor Sherry Stevenson officiating. Visitation will be from 2 to 4 pm, Sunday, November 7 at the funeral home. He will be buried at Oakwood Memorial Park.
Jerry was born on July 5, 1956 in Ottawa to Joseph and Patricia (Clements) Nanouski. He married Kathy Garland in 1977, and together they had two children. Jerry worked as a K-9 Officer for the Utica Police Department for 19 years, before retiring in 2017. He adored working with his K-9's Bart and Fjolle, who have since passed away. He also worked for US Silica for over 35 years before his retirement. Jerry was also a volunteer fireman for the Naplate Fire Department.
After retirement, Jerry would spend most of his time with his son, Teegan and grandson, Brooks. He would pick them up from school most days, and together they would ride four-wheelers, fish, and help others with outdoor projects. Jerry cherished the time he spent with the boys.
Jerry was a family man and loved having everyone over, especially during the summer. You could usually find him lounging by the pool with a cold Coors Light, chilling and relaxing, more than likely listening to Safety Dance. He loved to sing and dance, and was always the center of attention with his jokes and sense of humor. He could fix everything and anything, and if it had a motor, he loved to either ride it or fix it.
Jerry was a very kind-hearted person and would give the shirt off his back to help you. He knew everyone around, and never met a stranger. He will be missed by all those who knew him.
He is survived by three children, Sarah (John McCarrens) Nanouski, Ashley (Bob) Bartman, and Teegan Nanouski, all of Ottawa; three grandchildren, Audrey and Ryan Chamberlain, and Brooks Bartman; his brother, Tom (Kim) Nanouski; his brother-in-law, Jerry DeBernardi; and his four nephews, Tommie (Sarah) Nanouski, Chad (Amy) Nanouski, Jeremy (Molly) DeBernardi, and Ronnie Callaway. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Dee DeBernardi.
Pallbearers will be John McCarrens, Bob Bartman, Tommie Nanouski, Chad Nanouski, Jeremy DeBernardi, and Ronnie Callaway. Honorary pallbearers Audrey and Ryan Chamberlain, Brooks Bartman, and Jake McCarrens.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to his family.
The online guest book may be viewed and remembrances shared at www.ottawafuneralhome.com
Ottawa Funeral Home & Crematory
1111 LaSalle St, Ottawa Illinois 61350
815-433-0300
www.ottawafuneralhome.com