Jeffrey L. Gerard

Jeffrey L. Gerard passed away unexpectedly on December 13th, 2025, in his home in St. Charles, Illinois. He was a devoted husband, loving father, loyal friend, and hardworking educator whose life was defined by dedication, integrity, and kindness.

Jeff was born in Rockford, Illinois and raised in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. His family moved to Naperville, Illinois in 1986 where he lived for over 25 years. He graduated from Naperville North High School where he met his wife, Jenny, and many lifelong friends. Jenny and Jeff attended TCU, and he earned his MAEd from Northern Illinois University. They married in 1998, and he was the proud father to Anne and Delaney. For the past 9 years the family resided in St. Charles, Illinois where Jeff enjoyed walking the dogs, Lulu and Luke, in the parks and fishing the Fox River.

Jeff carried strong Midwestern values with him throughout his life. He was deeply devoted to the education of children, serving as both a teacher and a principal. He had a uniquely diverse career that spanned preschool through high school and was known for bringing humor and compassion to his students and staff. Whether in the classroom, or in leadership, he believed in the potential of others, building relationships, and second chances.

Jeff had a smile for everyone he met, listened with genuine care, saw the good in people, and always showed up for those around him. Jeff's greatest joy was spending time with his family, always finding peace in the simple, meaningful moments they spent together. He enjoyed fishing, gardening, barbecuing, bird watching, and cheering on Iowa and TCU. He embraced every role in his life-husband, father, brother, uncle, friend, and co-worker-with love, humor, and dedication. Jeff will be remembered for his steady presence, generosity, and quiet way he made the world better through his actions. His legacy lives on through the lives he touched as an educator, a father, and a friend.

Jeff is survived by his wife of 27 years, Jennifer A. Gerard, and by his daughters Anne and Delaney Gerard (St. Charles, IL). Jeff is also survived by his dear brother Jason M. Gerard, Batavia, IL. Jeff is preceded in death by his parents, Melvin and Linda (McEnany) Gerard, and brother, Jereme Gerard, as well as his father-in-law, Raymond Hill. Jeff is survived by his mother-in-law, Bettie Hill, and brothers-in-law David (Dianna) Hill, Todd (Lisa) Hill, and Scott (Terri) Hill and by his sister-in-law Dianne (Owen) Derrick. Jeff is survived by his nephews Isaac (Haley) and William Gerard, Jon (Carolina) Hill, Jack (Kailey) Hill, Josh and Joe (Kristy) Miller, Kyla and Mary Katherine Hill, and Elianne Derrick; and by his great nephew Tyler Miller, and his great nieces Aubrey Miller and Violet Hill.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, June 6th, 2026 at the historic Pavillion at Pottawatomie Park in St. Charles, Illinois. Family and friends are welcome to gather to honor and remember Jeff's life. (Further details will be provided.)

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to support Jeff's family via the GoFundMe page at https://gofund.me/ba9f6ea9b or to the St. Charles d303 Education Foundation, supporting the family's local school district https://www.stcedfoundation.org/.