Jerome L. ‘Jerry’ Berry

STREATOR — Jerome L. “Jerry” Berry, 63, of Streator, passed away Wednesday, July 18, at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria, after a courageous battle with cancer.

His kind-hearted soul was rescued into heaven for a pizza party, and a good old-fashioned game of euchre and a cold PBR.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 12:30 p.m. Monday, July 23, at St. Michael the Archangel Church. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to noon Monday at Solon-Telford Funeral Home. Burial will be in St. Stephen’s Cemetery. Pallbearers will be brothers-in-law, Bill Englert, Don Englert, Gerry Englert and Charlie O’Kraski; and nephews, Ryan O’Kraski and Mikey Hillyer. Honorary pallbearers will be Chuck Kelly, Mike Hillyer and James Englert.

Jerry was born May 20, 1955, in Streator, to Lee and Arleen (Wahl) Berry. His in-laws were Ray and Rita Englert. They all have preceded him in death.

On Sept. 6, 1975, he married the love of his life, Mary Ann (Englert) Berry. Together they shared many travels, adventures and lots of love.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Ann Berry, of Streator; sons, Shane (Jill) Berry, of Streator, and Chad (Melinda) Berry, of Streator; daughters, Amber (Kurt) Decker, of Streator, and Sarah (Matt) Spellious, of Streator; grandchildren, Tucker and Nathan Berry, Alivia Berry, Connor and Mason Decker and Ellee Spellious; a sister, Becky (Chuck) Kelly, of Streator; brothers- and sisters-in-law, Bill (Carol) Englert, of Streator, Don (Felecia) Englert, of Lake Geneva, Gerry (Diane) Englert, of Streator, Jim Englert, of Streator, Bob (Silvia) Englert, of Pleasanton, Calif., Kathy (Mike) Hillyer, of Streator, and Jo Ann (Charlie) O’Kraski, of Streator; and numerous nephews and nieces.

Born and raised in Streator, he attended Woodland School and graduated in 1973.

He was a member of the Reading Volunteer Fire Department, starting out as a junior firefighter as a teenager. He held many positions throughout the years serving as president, treasurer of the social fund, and trustee. He also served as assistant chief to his father’s role as chief, along with his two sons.

He was the plant supervisor for Illinois American Water in Streator for the past 37 years. He was always willing to share his uncanny ability to fix anything for his family and co-workers.

Jerry was a true family man who adored his wife, family and especially his grandchildren. They were his pride and joy. He will be dearly missed by his loving family and friends. We all love you. Always have and always will.

Memorials may be directed to the Reading Volunteer Fire Department or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Condolences may be left for the family at solontelford.com.

Solon-Telford Funeral Home

301 S. Park St., Streator, IL 61364

815-672-2320 solontelford.com