Jerald L. Gallagher

Jerald Lorraine Gallagher "Jerry", 90 passed away peacefully in his sleep Saturday, October 3, 2015. Jerry was born August 27, 1925 to Hiram and Lucille (Gilogly) Gallagher in Freeport, Illinois. Like so many young men of his generation, Jerry wanted to enlist in the service. Unfortunately his health prevented this. Undeterred, he found another way to serve. Jerry took a job on a ship transporting hundreds of horses to Poland for their reconstruction effort. On September 17, 1949 Jerry married "the love of his life", Marion Mardell Miller, at the Miller family farm in Juda, Wisconsin. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends, playing cards and his harmonica. Jerry is survived by four sons, Don (Barbara) Athens, GA, Mark (Colleen) Freeport, IL, Ben (Karen) Rockford, IL, and Jim (Beth) Stoughton, WI; eight grandsons, Patrick, Michael, Kelly, Bram, Corey, Mackenzie, Greg, and Evan; two step grandchildren, Baniashih, and Michael; two brothers, Roger (Donna) Sooke, British Columbia and Ray (Cecily) Fredericksburg, TX; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Marion; brother, Don; and sister, Nelma Blust. A celebration of life service will be held at 6:00pm Thursday, October 8th at Burke-Tubbs Funeral Home, 504 N Walnut Ave., Freeport, IL. Friends may call from 4-6pm. A memorial has been established in his name. Please visit www.burketubbs.com to sign his online guestbook and to share memories.