Gerald Fleetwood

Gerald Fleetwood, 87, longtime resident of La Grange, died Aug. 17, 2025. He spent his final years in the care of Caledonia Senior Living in North Riverside.
Gerald was born in Jackson County, IN, on June 29th, 1938. He spent his youth on the family farm before being drafted into the Army, where he assisted with the cleanup of the Great Alaska Earthquake. Such service to society suited him: he subsequently joined the Peace Corps, deploying his many practical skills in efforts to increase food security in Gujarat, India. Perpetually intrigued by people and culture, he pursued humanities studies at Indiana University. There he met Montana native Janet Rye, and the two were married in 1971. The couple settled in the Chicago area to support Janet's career in publishing. Gerald spent much of his working life as a residential real estate agent in the west suburbs-a role that appropriately leveraged his competence with both construction and aesthetics, as well as his gregarious personality. Gerald and Janet were married until her death in 2007.
Gerald will be fondly remembered for his relentless wit, cooking and gardening skills, and strong sense of community in addition to his mischief and remarkable penchant for bringing about good fun.
Gerald's survivors include daughter Margaret Rose Fleetwood (husband Tammer Farid), grandchildren Erlend Nour and Soraya Jane Fleetwood Farid, sister Linda Helmbrecht (husband Randall), and brother Marvin Fleetwood (wife Sue). He is also survived by nieces and a nephew, cousins, in-laws, and many dear friends.
The family requests that those wishing to honor Gerald consider a donation to the Peace Corps Agriculture Fund.
A reception celebrating Gerald's life will be held at Kama Bistro, 9 La Grange Road in downtown La Grange, from 12 pm to 3 pm on Saturday, September 27th.
Arrangements entrusted to Hitzeman Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 9445 31st Street, Brookfield, IL 60513.
Information 708-485-2000 or www.HitzemanFuneral.com
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