Jerry Robert Ferris

Jerry Robert Ferris, age 64, of Savanna, Illinois, died at home surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday, September 3, 2008 after a lengthy battle against Pancreatic Cancer. A Funeral Mass will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, September 6, 2008 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Savanna, with Father Dennis Atto as Celebrant. Burial will be in St. John's Catholic Cemetery, Savanna. Visitation will be held from 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. Friday, September 5, 2008 at the Law-Jones Funeral, Savanna. Jerry was born on January 8, 1944, in Savanna, Illinois, the son of Art and Carolyn (Lema) Ferris. Jerry attended St. John's Parochial School in Savanna through the eighth grade. He then graduated from the Savanna High School with the class of 1962. He was a four-time Illinois State Wrestler in high school and placed third his senior year. He later attended Knox College in Galesburg for a year. After high school, Jerry worked for the Milwaukee Rail Road for two years. He then served in the United States Army from 1966-1968 as a Sgt. Platoon Leader in Vietnam. He received the Army Commendation Medal for heroism and bravery in combat, the National Defense Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Vietnam Service Medal with a Bronze Service Star. On October 18, 1969, Jerry married Virginia Kay Blair in Savanna.Jerry went on to work for Interstate Power Company in the Savanna and Clinton area, as an "Electric Lineman," for thirty-four years, retiring in 2004. He was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Savanna. Jerry enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his granddaughters.Jerry is survived and lovingly remembered by his wife, Kay Ferris of Savanna; two daughters, Stacy (Michael) Hall of Keller, Texas, Jamie (Brian) Valus of Westerville, Ohio; his mother, Carolyn Ferris of Savanna; two granddaughters, Kelsi Lee and Halli Rose Valus; a sister, Nancy (Bud) Mix of Savanna; and two brothers, Ron (Debbie) Ferris of Savanna, Todd Ferris of South Beloit, Illinois and many Nieces, Nephews and Cousins.Jerry was preceded in death by his father, Art; grandparents, Hoyt & Emma Ferris, Joseph & Carmella Lema and Aunt & Uncle Carmella and Harold Schmidt.