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Jerry Briggs Obituary
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Jerry was born in Carlinville, IL on May 5th, 1953 the son of Ronald and Helen (Stevens) Briggs. The family moved to Springfield when Jerry was young and he remained in the Springfield area the rest of his life. He met Sondra LeSeure and the two of them were married on July 17th, 1971 in Springfield. When Jerry was a young man, he helped his father manage the original Briggs Apple Orchard in Springfield. Jerry began his career in produce with National Foods and ended his career with Schnucks Market, always perfecting and taking pride in his famous "produce wall." Later in life, Jerry would go on to start Briggs Apple Orchard in Rochester with his wife, Sondra.
Jerry and Sondra had four children and raised the family in Springfield. He was passionate about fishing, his apple orchard, and Christmas.
During the Christmas season, Jerry would embody "Clark Griswold" when it came to the holiday spirit and decorating the live Christmas tree, which he aimed to make even bigger than the previous years.
He was preceded in death by his wife Sondra in 2010. Jerry was also preceded in death by his father and grandson, Caleb Kuhlmann.
Jerry is survived by his mother, Helen Briggs; children, Stacy (Chris) Kuhlmann of Chatham, Jill Olson of Chatham, Erin (Mark) Clemens of Rochester, and Jerrod Briggs of Denver, CO; ten grandchildren, Abby H., Kylie (Tyler), Travis, Bailey, Abby C., Rylee, Mitchell, Keely, Preston, and Mya; siblings, Gail Churchill of Springfield, Lynette Rhodes of Springfield, and Jill Brillhart (companion, Scott) of Springfield.
Visitation will be held at Wilson Park Funeral Home, 200 East Main St. Rochester, IL 62563 on Wednesday November 13th, 2024 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Funeral services will follow on Thursday the 14th at 11:00 am. Burial will follow at Rochester Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society (https://donate.cancer.org/) in the name of Lung Cancer.
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6 Entries
Brandon Mefford
November 13, 2024
Best memories was at Uncle Jerry's Cabin when we was kids ... He will surely be missed
Brenda Peoples
November 12, 2024
Jerry was the best neighbor ever. He mowed my front yard whenever he mowed his. (Huge help for a single mom) We talked over the fence. We shared many stories. We had deep conversations. We laughed a lot. I could always count on him if I needed help. I am truly lucky to have known him!
Carrie Miles
November 11, 2024
Jerry was the best friend and neighbor there ever was. From the time my daughter was very small, Jerry would always ask if I needed help with this or that ; whether it was putting together a trampoline , taking branches to the dump or anything ! He was always willing to lend a hand . I would always wave and say "Hi Jerry! And he would respond Hi Carrie!" Just the best guy ever . Gonna miss visiting with him across the fence over a beer and talking to him while we were grilling . RIP Jerry until we meet again one day!
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Bill Johnson
November 11, 2024
My condolences to Jerry´s family. I began working at National Foods around 1974-1975. Jerry was one of the first people I met. He was easy going and friendly. We became good friends over the years. I would visit Jerry and Sondra at their Laketown home frequently. Especially at Christmas when the Briggs and neighbors would decorate their homes. It was quite a site.
Jerry and Sondra were a wonderful couple. They loved each other very much. When they moved to Rochester and opened an orchard, I would visit and of course pick-up some Ozark Gold Apples. Delicious! As time went on and I had moved on from the grocery business, and Jerry has lost Sondra, I would visit Jerry at his new Rochester home. We would have a few beers and reminisce. We had some great laughs.
Jerry was liked by everyone. His superb managerial skills were well known. His employees loved and respected him.
Rest in peace Jerry.
Bill Johnson
Showing 1 - 6 of 6 results
200 East Main Street, Rochester, IL 62563
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