Gerald E. “Jerry” Chamberlain, 98, of Loves Park, IL, passed away peacefully, Friday, September 14, 2018 after a lengthy illness. He was born November 22, 1919 in Rockford, IL, the son of George and Blanche (Joy) Chamberlain. Jerry graduated from Harlem High School, class of 1937 and started working at Woodward Governor in September of 1937. He enlisted in the United States Navy in 1942, where he was stationed in the South Pacific on a landing craft, they deployed troops on the beaches. He participated in most major battles in the South Pacific. As part of the greatest generation, he participated in the Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., in August, 2012. He returned to Woodward’s after the war. In the late 1950’s and early 1960’s, while working as executive in International Sales, he was transferred to Holland. He was then given the opportunity of opening an office in London. While in England, he supervised the purchasing of land, building a Woodward plant and hiring employees. After leaving England, he opened an office in Lucerne, Switzerland. He and his family were in Europe for 5 years. In 1971, he and his family returned to Switzerland and he opened an office in Zurich and was there for 3 years. Jerry married Jackie Toepfer on September 8, 1969 in Seward, IL. Jerry thoroughly enjoyed golfing, and achieved 3 holes in one after the age of 80. He loved woodworking, playing cards, and traveling across the United States and the world. After his retirement in 1984, he was very active as a volunteer. Jerry would volunteer as the NIRAS, meals on wheels, building the playground at the Discovery Center, and tutoring in local schools. He and Jackie were snowbirds for 25 years in Naples, FL. While wintering in Florida, Jerry would organize parties for Woodward retirees and Harlem Alumni. He was a caring, respected person and always willing to help others. Jerry loved going to his grandchildren’s many activities and was always proud of them.
Jerry is loved and missed by his wife, Jackie; daughter, Carol (Mark) Clark; step- children, Cathy Toepfer, and Robb Toepfer; grandchildren, Ryan (Carolyn) Clark and Katy (Matt) Wiesen; great-grandchildren, Paige and Grayson Clark and Yardley Wiesen, and one on the way. He was preceded in death by his parents, his step-son, Gary Toepfer, and siblings, Marjorie Riverdahl, Gene, Chet, Don, Roger and Georgie Chamberlain.
A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, September 24, 2018 at Sunset Funeral Home, 8800 N. Alpine Rd, Machesney Park, IL 61115, with a visitation from 9:00 a.m., until the time of service. Burial in Sunset Memorial Gardens. Memorials may be made to a charity of your choice. To share a condolence, please visit www.Sunsetfhmemgardens.com.
