Jerry D. Bouwens

Jerry D. Bouwens, age 76, passed away Tuesday, January 14, 2014 at Wheaton Franciscan All Saints Medical Center. Jerry was born in Stromsburg, Nebraska, April 29, 1937, son of the late Clyde O. Bouwens and Dorothy I. (Nee: Olson) Bouwens Rockwell.

Jerry was a longtime member of the First Baptist Church and was married there on November 26, 1988 to Linda L. Jensen. Linda preceded him in death, October 17, 2012. He was employed by Lee’s Charcoal, DeRango’s on High Street, Wigs and Ellies, and the Eagles Club. Jerry was a member and guard of the Eagle’s Club #281 and was a longtime member of the Mel Tillis fan club. Jerry had fond memories of his early years at Southern Colony. He will be deeply missed.

Survivors include his brothers and sister, John (Suzanne) Bouwens, Gloria Sikes, Rocky (JoAnn) Rockwell, all of Racine, Jay Dee Rockwell of Round Rock, TX; brother-in-law, Charles Daugherty of Milwaukee; nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many dear friends. In addition to his parents and wife he was preceded in death by his brother, Charles Bouwens; sister, Norma Alene Bouwens; stepfather, Edward Rockwell; brother-in-law, James E. Sikes and sister-in-law, Nancy Rockwell.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 25, 2014, 11:00 A.M. at the funeral home with Rev. Holly Anderle officiating. Private interment will be held at West Lawn Memorial Park. Relatives and friends may meet with the family Saturday at the funeral home from 10:00 A.M. until time of service at 11:00 A.M. Memorials to the First Baptist Church or to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have been suggested.

Many thanks to his friends at Albert House for their kindness and help and to Joe and Kathie Minorik for their time and assistance during the last several years.