Gerald Raymond Erickson

Gerald “Jerry” R. Erickson, age 77, lifelong resident of Lockport, passed away Tuesday, October 30, 2018, peacefully at his home.

Born April 6, 1941, Jerry was a son of Edward and Luella (nee McGahey) Erickson. He was a proud Vietnam veteran of the U.S. Army and served as the past Commander of the V.F.W. 5788 and the Tri-County Council for the V.F.W. His favorite pastime was watching the Chicago Cubs and telling unbelievable stories to anyone who would listen. Jerry enjoyed providing for his family and watching his grandchildren participate in any activity - academic, music, or sports.

Jerry is survived by his loving and doting wife of 52 years, Sandy Erickson (nee Price); sons, John (Teresa) Erickson and Christopher (Michelle) Erickson; grandsons, Wyatt, Jacob, and Chase; and granddaughters, Jenna, Evelyn, and Kailyn; niece, Tina (Nat) Freeman; nephew, Ed (Katrina Wallace) Erickson; three sisters-in-law, Susan Blum Erickson, Joyce (Paul) Newbill, and Linda (Jerry) Fuller; and beloved friend, Millie (Dick deceased) DeLong.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, Edwin “Eddie” and James “Jimmy” Erickson.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the Joliet Area Hospice and Dr. Sunil Narula of the University of Chicago Cancer Center for their expertise and compassion, as well as Drs. Bun Siu and Dan Co for many years of love and care.

A celebration of Jerry’s life will begin on Saturday, November 10, 2018, with a visitation from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. and will be followed by a service, officiated by Pastors Gil Palmer and Adam Fox, at First Baptist Church of Lockport: 800 Thornton St., Lockport 60441. Interment will take place at the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, IL, in a private ceremony at a later date for family and close friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Jerry’s name may be made to the First Baptist Church of Lockport, 800 Thornton St., Lockport, 60441.

Funeral Arrangements handled by Goodale Memorial Chapel. www.goodalememorialchapel.com or 815-838-1533