Jerry "Big Jer" Cline

He was born on May 6, 1951, in Springfield, IL, the son of Clarence A. and Rosie L. (Theyssen) Cline. Jerry married Maripat Watson on January 3, 1974, and celebrated 52 years together.

Jerry proudly served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps. He went on to work as a carpenter and was the owner of Jerry A. Cline and Sons Construction Company. He was a master of his craft and took great pride in every project and home that he built. Jerry was a member of West Side Christian Church and served as a youth group sponsor for many years. He was also affiliated with Boys Farm; a board member of the Rutledge Youth Foundation; and a longtime coach for Christian Elementary School. He was a great all-around athlete that loved to hunt and fish, play basketball and baseball, work in his yard, spend time with family, and enjoy his Marlboros and black coffee. Jerry was a very accomplished catfish tournament angler who competed across the country. He liked to give back to veterans and was a regular participant in the Fishing for Freedom Events.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; grandson, Nicholas Alfred Cline; and niece, Patricia Wiltshire.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Maripat; children, Julie (Daniel) Green, Joseph Ludtke (Kathleen Workman) and Kathleen’s daughters, Tessa and Myah, Jerry Cline II, Jennifer Cline, and Joshua Cline; grandchildren, Miriah (Shaun) Broeker, Dylan Treece, Maria Cline, Zachary and Michael Kroenlein, Addison Cline, Noah and Hannah Green, Mandolin Ludtke, Isabella Harness, Madison Ludtke, Jacob Cline, Paislee and Harper Cline; great-grandchildren Eva, Alani, and Bryson; nephew, Christopher Kerr (Denny Fiske); and great nephew Kelton Wiltshire.

Cremation will be provided by Butler Cremation Tribute Center.

Memorial Gathering and Ceremony: Family will receive friends from 4:00 to 5:45 p.m. on Friday, November 14, 2025, at Butler Funeral Home – Springfield, 900 S. Sixth St., Springfield, followed by the Ceremony at 6:00 p.m. with Barbara Sachtleben officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to: Rutledge Youth Foundation.