Jeral Bruce Mernack, 86, of Rockford died Tuesday, March 16, 2021. Jeral was born on May 30, 1934 in Rockford, the son of Joseph and Beata Christina Mernack. He was baptized on December 4, 1955, in 1957 he married his love, Barbara Laura Ann Lindell, and they shared 57 years together and raised three children together.
He worked for many years in different jobs such as Wyman Furniture, Metcut Tooling and then self employed as a mechanic working on cars. He was very talented and could do anything. Jeral once tore down a church; Brook Road Methodist and with the lumber he built his 5 bedroom dream house. He taught his kids a lot in life, he was very devoted to his family. As a family, we enjoyed the cabin, boating, skiing on the Rock River. We all have a little river in our blood that he gave us growing up. He was a big Cubs fan, he loved his baseball, taking long country rides in his beloved 2000 Chevy truck. He loved smashing cans and later in life he liked watching NASCAR. Jeral always enjoyed the visits from his kids and family.
Survivors include his children: Joey (Becky) Mernack, Cynthia (Durk) Roper and Jeffrey (Jody) Mernack; grandchildren: April (Kyle) Pearson, Joshua (Amanda) Mernack, Durk (Kaimber) Roper and Katelyn (Colton) Mernack; great-grandchildren: Leo Mernack, Tori Mernack, KayLeigh Pearson and KamDyn Pearson; special niece Cheryl (Mike) Crimmins and special nephew Alan (Helen) Mernack.
Jeral was predeceased by his parents, wife and his brother Lester Mernack.
Memorial service to celebrate Jeral’s life will be 2:00 pm on Tuesday, April 6, 2021 at Sunset Funeral Home 8800 N. Alpine Road in Machesney Park; visitation for Jeral will be from 1:00 pm until time of services. Inurnment will follow in Sunset Memorial Gardens.
