Gerald "Jerry" Bailey

BAILEY (Rockford) - Mr. Gerald "Jerry" Bailey, age 83, passed into the presence of his Lord and Savior on Friday, July 24, 2009, surrounded at home by his loving family. While attending Rockford High School, Jerry lettered in football, baseball and basketball and still held a part-time job at the Kroger Store. After graduating from Rockford High School in 1944, Jerry enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving as a seaman first class on the USS John A. Bole (DD 755) during WWII. He graduated from Albion College and worked as an insurance adjuster. Later, he represented several real estate companies as an agent. Jerry enjoyed golfing, bowling, working crossword puzzles, and playing a good card game. He was an avid reader, enjoying biographies and books about politics. Jerry was a life member of the Merritt Lamb Post #102 American Legion and served as Post Commander and helped wherever needed. He is survived by his loving family, his wife, the former Pearl Hershey; his children, Patricia and Daniel Szczepanek, and Susan Bailey; his grandchildren, Erik and Alicia Mansel, Amanda Mansel, Kelly Szczepanek, and Danny Szczepanek; his great grandchildren, Katelin, Michael and Ty; his sister-in-law, Mrs. Howard (Barbara) Bailey; nieces and nephews; and his faithful dog, Brooke. His brothers, Howard, George "Tiny", and Hilbert Bailey, preceded him in death. The Memorial Service for Mr. Bailey will be Tuesday, 11 a.m. at the Pederson Funeral Home with Pastor Rex Wilson officiating. Military honors will be under the auspices of the Kent County Veterans Honor Guard. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider the Merritt Lamb Post #102 American Legion or Spectrum Health Hospice. Relatives and friends may gather with the family from 6 until 8 p.m. on Monday at the funeral home. The Pederson Funeral Home, Rockford www.pedersonfuneralhome.com