STERLING – Gerald R. Franks, 65, of Sterling, died Friday, Jan. 24, 2014, at CGH Medical Center in Sterling.

Jerry was born Feb. 7, 1948, in Spring Valley, the son of Gerald R. and Irene (Sandretto) Franks. He married Betty Hart on Dec. 8, 1991, in Rock Falls. He served in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War and worked for the state of Illinois as a grain elevator inspector.

He is survived by his wife, Betty Franks; daughter Jessica (Donnie) Skibbe; and stepson, Stephen Hart, all of Sterling; stepdaughter Susan (Randy) Morrison of Union, W. Va.; three granddaughters, two stepgrandchildren; two stepgreat-grandchildren; two sisters, Diana (Wes) Anderson of Deer Grove and Susan Franks of Rock Falls; and two nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at Garland Funeral Home in Walnut. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Dalmus Meeks, pastor of Harvest Time Bible Church in Rock Falls, officiating. Burial will be in Walnut Cemetery. A memorial has been established.

Go to www.garlandfuneralhome.com to send condolences.