Gerald Lee Blair

Gerald Lee Blair, age 86, of Lanark, IL, passed away July 31, 2022 at his home. A memorial visitation will be held Friday, August 5, 2022 at Law Jones Funeral Home in Lanark, from 4pm to 7pm. Then on Sunday, August 7, 2022, from 1-4pm, the Blair family will be hosting a celebration of Jerry’s life at his home, at 26503 US Highway 52, in Lanark. A memorial fund has been established in Jerry’s name.

Jerry was born January 30, 1936 in rural Stephenson County, IL, the son of Walter and Teresea (Koch) Blair. He attended Lanark schools, graduating from Lanark High School with the class of 1953. Jerry went to work for his brother, Don Blair’s produce business, driving around the area picking up eggs. On June 23, 1957, Jerry married Joyce Gerdes at Trinity Lutheran Church in Milledgeville, IL. Shortly thereafter, Jerry was drafted into the United States Army, where he proudly served his country in Korea.

Upon returning home from war, in 1960, Jerry got right back to work, building a life for himself and his family, driving truck for a number of companies, including DeKalb Feed and Hafer Trucking. He then found himself with an opportunity to purchase a white washing business; one that he would run for more than 40 years. Never one to shy away from a strong work ethic, Jerry saw another opportunity to provide for his community, and opened Blair Running Boards in the mid 1970’s. He was a man who truly loved a hard day’s work. Even in his own businesses, he went to work every day with the attitude of a working man, and certainly “not a boss”, as he would often remind his family.

Jerry cherished his community, where he was a proud Lion’s Club member and took an active role in coordinating, and of course appearing in, parades throughout the years. He was a winner of the Melvin Jones and the Lion of the Year awards. There may not have been a bigger fan of high school sports than Jerry, as well. He loved watching all the kids compete, especially his grandchildren as they came of age. In his younger years, he loved to dance and roller skate; he actually met his dear Joyce at White Pines Roller Rink, in Polo IL, those many years ago. Late in Jerry’s life, with most of his work responsibilities fading into the past, he still found happiness tinkering with whatever he could get his hands on. Until his last breath, Jerry was kind, trustworthy, and loyal to the highest degree. He will be dearly missed by family and friends, alike.

Jerry is survived by his wife of 65 years, Joyce; two sons, Jeff (Sandy) Blair, of Lanark and Jarrett (Jana) Blair, of Lanark; five grandchildren, Heidi (Adam) Ditzler, Theresa (Curtis) Johnson, Jordan Blair, Jace Blair, Seth (Ally) Blair, Joe (Brenna) Meade, Cassie (Kris) Corrigeux, and Krista (Quinten) Hayes; 15 great-grandchildren, Shyanna, Laney, Charlie, Cayse, Carver, Cruz, Ashtyn, Daxton, Sadie, Kinley, Hadley, John, Elliott, Jack, and Luke; and brother, Norm (Wava) Blair, of Le Sueur, MN. Jerry is preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Teresea; four brothers; and two sisters.

The Blair family would like to extend a special thank you to FHN Hospice for their kindness and professionalism.