Gerald Knight

1940 - 2025

Urbana - Gerald "Jerry" Knight died peacefully on Dec. 20, 2025, surrounded by his family.

Jerry was born on Jan. 1, 1940, in Iowa City, Iowa, the son of Theodore and Garnet (Striley) Knight.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, the former Janice Deem. He is also survived by his children, Shawn Knight of Islip, N.Y., and Beth Tadanier (Chris) of Greenwood Village, Colo.; and three grandchildren, Dillon Knight (Samantha), Elliott Tadanier and Amelia Tadanier-Floyd (Thomas).

He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Donald and Robert Knight.

Jerry graduated from Moline Township High School and was proud to have served in the U.S. Navy from 1958 to 1962. He was employed by Magnavox Corporation in Urbana from 1963 to 1971. He then worked for Illinois Bell Telephone until his retirement in 1995.

Jerry enjoyed taking things apart and putting them back together. He had a reputation for being able to fix anything. He also enjoyed making stained glass windows and lamps, which are treasured by family members.

He and his wife enjoyed traveling and participating in road scholar programs, and they often returned to Charleston, S.C., where they spent their first year of marriage.

The family would like to thank the staff of the Piatt County Nursing Home, Kirby Medical Center and Town Square Hospice for their compassionate care of Jerry and the kind support afforded his family.