Jeffrey "Jeff" Wermager

Born on March 11, 1961, in Rockford, IL, Jeff was the son of Gordy and Betty Wermager. He was a 1979 graduate of Rockford East High School.

Jeff is survived by his devoted wife, Sheila; their son, Blake, of South Beloit; his brother, Greg (Candy) Wermager of Rockford; his sister, Jill Fagan; nieces and nephews Garret and Rachel Wermager and Lexi Fagan; and his extended family, including father-in-law Joseph Meyer; siblings-in-law Laura (Scott) Westberg of Midlothian, Maria (Eric) Linder of Downers Grove, Sara Meyer of Palatine, and Eric (Cathy) Meyer of Springfield; along with nieces and nephews Maya (Clayton), Mikayla, Kaitlin, Isaac, Simon, Leah, Tayton, Braydon, and Caylee. He was preceded in death by his parents, Gordy and Betty, his mother-in-law, Donna Meyer, and many aunts and uncles.

From a young age, Jeff felt most at home on the water. He spent countless days boating with his family in Oshkosh, on Lake Winnebago, where his love for boating grew into a lifelong passion and lifestyle. At one point, his fleet included five boats—because one was never enough. It was only fitting that he proposed to Sheila on the beach and that they celebrated their wedding aboard a boat. Jeff and Sheila were married on August 26, 2000, at St. Monica’s Catholic Church in East Peoria, IL, and went on to share 25 wonderful years together.

Jeff worked for 37 years at the Bergner’s/Bonton Distribution Center in Rockford before continuing his career with Lowe’s Distribution, SSI Distribution in Janesville, and Woodward. He retired in March 2023, happily spending his days fixing up the house, completing Sheila’s “honey-do list,” and planning the next time he could get back on the water.

Jeff will be remembered as a loving husband and father. He treated Sheila like a princess, showing his love daily through kindness and acts of service. His bond with Blake was equally special—filled with laughter, pride, unconditional love, and enjoying good music.

Jeff’s life was also a testament to resilience and gratitude. After being diagnosed with a kidney disease, he received the gift of life twice: first in 2000 from his friend and donor, Sandy Pierce-Steele, and again in 2014 from a posthumous donor. These transplants gave Jeff treasured years with his family—years he never took for granted.

A visitation for Jeff will take place at Sunset Funeral Home on Sunday, September 7, 2025, from 2:00 PM until 5:00 PM, with an extended visitation taking place Monday, September 8, 2025, from 9:00 AM until the time of Memorial Service at 11:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Jeff’s name may be made to Donate Life America, in honor of the gift of organ donation that blessed his life.