Gerald W. Leffelman

Gerald W. Leffelman

Born: October 25, 1932; Sublette

Died: March 12, 2021; Sublette

SUBLETTE – Gerald W. Leffelman, 88, of Sublette, passed away March 12, 2021 in his home, surrounded by his loving family.

Per his wishes, there will be no visitation, and Mass of Christian Burial will be family only. Wasmer Funeral Home is privileged to be assisting the family.

Gerald was born October 25, 1932 in Sublette to Howard and Bernadette (Clayton) Leffelman of Maytown. He was a twilight sleep baby at the Angier Hospital in Sublette.

He grew up on the family farm in Maytown. Jerry's education started at the Dorsey School, then to Amboy schools. He left high school his second year to help his father farm.

Gerald served in the United States Army from 1952-1954 during the Korean War. On February 20, 1954 at Sts. Peter and Paul Church, Peterstown he married the love of his life, Sylvia Becker. They raised a family of 8 children.

Returning from the Army, Gerald worked for his father at the Leffelman Meat Center, which originally had locations in Sublette, Mendota, Amboy and West Brooklyn. His other jobs included Justice of the Peace, and being owner of Sublette Realty for most of his life until his retirement at the age 86. He was instrumental in getting Country Village Meats open with his son and son-in-law. Jerry worked hard beside them for 20 years.

Jerry served on many boards – Sublette Development Corporation, the Beautification Committee, Sublette Village Board, and the Lee County Board. He was dedicated to seeing businesses brought into Sublette, and seeing this "little country village" thrive. Jerry loved his town, and was proud to introduce anyone to its history.Many Sundays he loved to load up the family in the station wagon and take a long ride that always ended at a drive-in that served chocolate shakes and hot fudge sundaes.

Gerald is survived by his wife of 67 years, Sylvia; and his children, Susan Ennenbach, Mark (Natalie) Leffelman, Chris (Kim) Leffelman, Annette (Mike) Bonnell, Dale (Paula) Leffelman, Beth (Eddie) Morrissey, Kevin (Judy) Leffelman, and Keith (Ashley) Leffelman; 16 grandchildren, Angela, Lindsay, Erica, Lauren, Clayton, Evan, Laura, Megan, Andy, Jon, Jake, Lydia, Conor, Kayla, Katie, and Claudia; 20 great-grandchildren; and 3 sisters, Howardene Stewart, Bernardine Roemmich, and Joyce Eames.

He is preceded in death by his parents, and one brother, Kenneth Leffelman.

He will be missed by his large family and friends.

Memorials may be directed to St. Jude, Sublette Fire Department or OSF Hospice.

Condolences may be left at wasmerfuneralhome.com.