Gerald "Jerry" Vandemark

Gerald “Jerry” “Tuffy” Vandemark, 86 of Streator passed away Tuesday, June 24, 2025 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center, Peoria.

A visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 PM Tuesday, July 1, 2025 at Hagi & Schultz Funeral Home, Streator. There will be a Lions Club Ritual at 6:00 PM Tuesday. Funeral services will be held at 3:00 PM Wednesday, July 2, 2025 at the funeral home. Cremation rites will be accorded following the visitation.

Jerry was born May 4, 1939 in Kewanee, a son of Lester and Ruth (Teece) Vandemark. He was a graduate of Kewanee High School, Illinois State Normal University, and Illinois State University. He married Linda Faulin on June 9, 1962 in Normal. She preceded him in death on February 23, 2017.

He is survived by a daughter, Amy (Scott) Dailey of Brawley, CA; a son, Chad (Caroline Pes) Vandemark of Peoria; 5 grandchildren, Carlos, Addison, and Margaret Dailey, and Hazel and Ruth Vandemark; his special friend, Carolyn Erler of Streator; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Linda; and three brothers, William, Terry and Richard.

Jerry had been a teacher at Dee Mack, Streator High School, Sheridan Prison, and Illinois Valley Community College.

He was a member of the United Methodist Church in Cornell, and St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Streator. He was a member of the Lions Club, Illinois High School Association Scholastic Bowl Advisory Committee, Streator Camera Club, and the Kewanee Class of 1957 Reunion Committee.

Gerald, “Jerry,” “Tuffy” Vandemark was a pillar of the Streator community. At Streator High School he the leader of academic organizations like Senior Bowl, National Honor Society, and Math Team as well as the ticket manager which connected him further to Streator. As a member of the Lions Club, including former president, he helped run everything from vision screenings to broom sales, from duck races to Radio Days, from dispensing medical equipment to starting a water fight every 4th of July with Elias Funeral Home and much more. He was a fixture at local restaurants with his girlfriend Carolyn and well loved throughout the community as a former teacher to thousands. His nickname, “Tuffy” was given in jest due his immaculately clean football jersey in high school. A fantastic father and an amazing grandfather, he will be missed.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Lions Club or to the family to be donated to one of Jerry’s favorite charities.