Obituary for Jerry Alden West
Winnebago Jerry Alden West, 80, of Winnebago passed away on May 25, 2017 in his home. Born June 18, 1936 in Macomb, the son of James Troy and Maude Elizabeth (Thompson) West. Graduated from Macomb High School and then from Western Illinois University in Macomb with a Master of Arts in Education. Jerry married Pat Ann Corder on December 1, 1962 in Macomb. He was a veteran of the US Marine Corps.
Jerry was a master teacher, where he instilled his love of geography and social studies to countless students for 27 years. A leader and active member of the faculty, he coached basketball and football at Edison Junior High in Rock Island, Illinois, motivating his players to victory through teamwork and a strong sense of fair play. He also served as both assistant and head coach of the varsity basketball team at Rock Island High School. An athlete in his own right, Jerry played varsity football and was a starting center for the Macomb High Bombers basketball team. Later, he combined his experience on the court and in the field with his knowledge of coaching to deliver presentations to college coaching staff at Western Illinois University. An enthusiastic and lifetime lover of sport, he was the quintessential good sport, generous to a fault and always willing to lend a hand. Jerry gave back to his community in numerous ways, helping the elderly with their taxes, driving the blind to their appointments, and using the skills he learned painting churches in Wisconsin to help with projects for family, neighbors, and friends.
Jerry is lovingly survived by his devoted wife of 54 years, Pat West of Winnebago; daughter, Angela (Steven) Blank of Middleton, WI; son, Richard (Jodi) West of Frankfort; grandchildren, Lew Blank, Jake West, Sydney West, Ashley West; special family members, Sue Thompson and her children John Thompson, Pete Thompson and Beth (Bruce) Mackleit.
Funeral Information
Memorial visitation 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Saturday, June 3, 2017, in Genandt Funeral Home, 602 N. Elida St., Winnebago. Cremation rites are accorded.
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Jerry was a master teacher, where he instilled his love of geography and social studies to countless students for 27 years. A leader and active member of the faculty, he coached basketball and football at Edison Junior High in Rock Island, Illinois, motivating his players to victory through teamwork and a strong sense of fair play. He also served as both assistant and head coach of the varsity basketball team at Rock Island High School. An athlete in his own right, Jerry played varsity football and was a starting center for the Macomb High Bombers basketball team. Later, he combined his experience on the court and in the field with his knowledge of coaching to deliver presentations to college coaching staff at Western Illinois University. An enthusiastic and lifetime lover of sport, he was the quintessential good sport, generous to a fault and always willing to lend a hand. Jerry gave back to his community in numerous ways, helping the elderly with their taxes, driving the blind to their appointments, and using the skills he learned painting churches in Wisconsin to help with projects for family, neighbors, and friends.
Jerry is lovingly survived by his devoted wife of 54 years, Pat West of Winnebago; daughter, Angela (Steven) Blank of Middleton, WI; son, Richard (Jodi) West of Frankfort; grandchildren, Lew Blank, Jake West, Sydney West, Ashley West; special family members, Sue Thompson and her children John Thompson, Pete Thompson and Beth (Bruce) Mackleit.
Funeral Information
Memorial visitation 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Saturday, June 3, 2017, in Genandt Funeral Home, 602 N. Elida St., Winnebago. Cremation rites are accorded.
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