Gerald L. Kasang

Gerald L. "Jerry" Kasang, 83, of Marengo, IL, passed away Monday, December 16, 2024 at Swedish American Hospital after a long illness. He was born January 31, 1941 in Chicago, IL, the son of LeRoy and Anna (Blaha) Kasang. Jerry grew up in Cicero and Berwyn before moving with his family to Hinsdale, where he graduated from Hinsdale High School and went on to attend Lyons Township Junior College followed by the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago. Jerry married Virginia Freeman on June 9, 1962 in Wheaton, IL. He was employed as a computer programmer, systems analyst and retired as a data processing manager for Oak Industries in Crystal Lake. Jerry was a long-standing member of Covenant Baptist Church in Marengo, and in recent years attended Evangelical Covenant Church in Belvidere; his faith was an integral part of his life. Jerry was a lifelong Chicago Bears, Blackhawks, and Bulls fan, but he especially loved his Cubs with steadfast loyalty despite the many disappointments, and was thrilled to finally see them win the World Series in 2016. He was a railroad hobbyist and enthusiast, and visited train museums across the US wherever he traveled. Jerry was also an avid golfer, and once received a league trophy for his “flying” golf club. He enjoyed reading about history and traveling to historical sites across the United States and Europe with family. After retirement, Jerry learned to cook and he loved trying out new recipes for family and friends; the first question following every meal was “Alright, who wants a cup of coffee?” He was a generous, devoted family man known for his quick wit, keen intellect, and love for all the family dogs, especially his buddy Boomer. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Virginia; children, Daniel Kasang and Jennifer (Chris) Snelten; grandchildren, James Mangum, Kyle (Samantha) Snelten, Jessica (Skylar) Allen, Daniel (Stefanie) Kasang and Rachel Massie; great-grandchildren, Diana Snelten, Elise Allen and Sadie Snelten; sister-in-law, Joann Kasang; and nephews, Christopher (Meg) Kasang and Steven (Barbara) Kasang. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Roy Kasang, and nephew Gregory Kasang.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 4, 2025, at the Evangelical Covenant Church, 220 E. Harrison St., Belvidere, IL, 61008, with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m., and a memorial service at 12:00 noon, followed by a luncheon at the church.