I had the pleasure to have known Jerry since our Jr. High days at Lombard.
Best memory was his friendship and always quick to laugh.
Worst memory was football practice at Lombard when he (full body double slammed me to the ground.) The play continued down field, me on the ground and there stood monster Jerry over me. Every time I tried to get to my feet he just slammed me back down. Finally he said "whistle blew, now you can get up".
I would not have had the words at the time, but I remember Jerry as always being an ambassador of good will. He seemed to always have a smile, and I always felt better after talking with him. He seemed warm, happy and deeply humble.
I really enjoyed knowing Jerry during our football seasons at GHS. It was good to see him again a few years ago when the Class of '67 team was inducted into the GHS Athletics Hall of Fame (8-1 record in fall, 1966). Jerry was an absolute beast as a 265 lb. fullback - it always took several defenders to bring him down, and any play with a fake hand-off to Cato opened up lots of other offensive opportunities for us. And on defense, Jerry and I were the starting tackles - him at 265 lb., me at 185 lb.! No wonder the other teams always ran plays at my side, which I reminded Jerry of quite frequently!
Jerry was a good-hearted big man who will be missed.
Jim Meldrum
I had the pleasure to have known Jerry since our Jr. High days at Lombard.
Best memory was his friendship and always quick to laugh.
Worst memory was football practice at Lombard when he (full body double slammed me to the ground.) The play continued down field, me on the ground and there stood monster Jerry over me. Every time I tried to get to my feet he just slammed me back down. Finally he said "whistle blew, now you can get up".
Rest in peace my friend, Jim
Agnes Cozad (Smith)
What a beautiful human being. I have known this man sence first grade.
Jerry you will be missed Rest in peace friend and God Bless you.
Agnes Cozad Smith.
David Sandberg
I would not have had the words at the time, but I remember Jerry as always being an ambassador of good will. He seemed to always have a smile, and I always felt better after talking with him. He seemed warm, happy and deeply humble.
Jim Kreps
I really enjoyed knowing Jerry during our football seasons at GHS. It was good to see him again a few years ago when the Class of '67 team was inducted into the GHS Athletics Hall of Fame (8-1 record in fall, 1966). Jerry was an absolute beast as a 265 lb. fullback - it always took several defenders to bring him down, and any play with a fake hand-off to Cato opened up lots of other offensive opportunities for us. And on defense, Jerry and I were the starting tackles - him at 265 lb., me at 185 lb.! No wonder the other teams always ran plays at my side, which I reminded Jerry of quite frequently!
Jerry was a good-hearted big man who will be missed.
Vicki Bohlander (Mohr)
It was my pleasure to know you, Jerry. You always had that big smile on your face.