Jerome (Jerry) Lawrence Flotkoetter, 69, of Bloomington, Illinois, passed away on Friday, May 22, 2020 at Advocate BroMenn Medical Center in Normal, Illinois where he was surrounded by his wife and children. He was born on December 15, 1950 at Saint Mary’s Hospital in Quincy, Illinois to Russell Jerome and Constance Ann (Strathmeyer) Flotkoetter. Jerry was a loved and respected husband, father, step-father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle and friend to all that knew him. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved dog, Hillbilly.
Jerry was best known for his long service in the Hearing Aid Industry where he owned Bloomington Hearing Aid Centers, Inc. in Bloomington and Pontiac, Illinois and provided services to surrounding communities. Jerry was recognized and honored in the industry with multiple awards and recognitions for Patient Care, Customer Satisfaction, and Innovative and Creative Promotional Concepts. He was also well known for providing the long-standing Senior Fall Expo in McLean County that provided free healthcare screenings and other senior benefits for 10 years. His patients became his friends who often made him homemade gifts to show their appreciation for his service and care including gifts of carved and metal sculptures.
Jerry and his wife Dianne are members of Heartland Community Church in Normal, Illinois, where they love serving and worshiping together. They were active in their community and could be found singing and playing guitar at the local Moose Lodge charity events for children annually. Jerry loved to dress up as Santa Claus and surprise deserving family friends with gifts, to spread joy. His family could always count on him to lend a helping hand. And his friends often commented on his generous spirit.
He was well known for loving all things orange in color, John Wayne and cowboy (and boy, you should see his belt buckle collection!). Jerry loved to play guitar for his children when they were young and also for his grandchildren. He was an avid golfer (with a Hole-in-One) and swimmer and could often be found at the local Four Seasons swimming laps or on the golf course with family and friends. Jerry loved traveling with his wife and family where he developed a knack for photography and art collections. He also loved fishing and swimming with his grandchildren.
Jerry married his first wife, Linda Meeker Flotkoetter and they had three children together. He later married Dianne Thomas Flotkoetter on August 28, 1993 whom Jerry called the “Love of His Life.” Dianne also brought two children to the marriage so together they created a beautiful, blended family with five children that Jerry and Dianne treasured.
Survivors include his wife Dianne of Bloomington; his children Michael Flotkoetter (Nicole), Bloomington; A. Rachel Flotkoetter Wozniak (Scott), Newnan, GA; Brooke Flotkoetter Moore (Conrad), Roanoke; W. Kenneth Boline (Heidi), San Tan Valley, AZ; Bryan Boline (Melinda), Chicago; Fourteen grandchildren, Austin Flotkoetter, Zachary Boline, Kaley Boline, Abigail Wozniak, Lily Wozniak, Cole Boline, Alaina Moore, Emberlynn Wozniak, Kyle Moore, Logan Flotkoetter, Evan Wozniak, Henry Moore, Drew Boline and Joselyn Flotkoetter; sister, Lynn Flotkoetter of Springfield; twin-brother, James Flotkoetter (Brenda) of Ocala, Florida; and nieces and nephews.
Private graveside services will be held, due to Covid-19, at East Lawn Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens in Bloomington. East Lawn Memorial will provide a live stream link via Facebook live for those that would like to view the graveside service on June 1st. Friends and family are invited to sign the East Lawn Memorial Online guestbook.
Memorial funds or special contributions can be sent to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or Heartland Community Church in Normal, IL.
