Jerry was born on April 11, 1942, in Rockford, IL, the son of Edwin and Ella (Timm) Heinzeroth. He met the love of his life, Barbara, in 1960 while both were attending West High School. They were married in 1963. Two sons followed, Brock in 1966, and Blake in 1975.
Along with Barb, Jerry had a passion for cooking which led to them opening a bakery, authoring a cookbook, and teaching cooking classes. They also traveled extensively and collected art from around the world. Jerry was a creative spirit, a patent-holding engineer / inventor, and an epicurean at heart who had a passion for theater, fine art, music, architecture, gourmet food, and wine.
In 2004 Jerry embarked on a mission to work with Ken and Phyllis Laurent to establish their Frank Lloyd Wright designed Laurent House as a public museum for Rockford. Jerry was the Founder and President Emeritus of the Laurent House Foundation which was established through his significant efforts and enjoys great success today.
Jerry is survived by his sons Brock and Blake, and brothers Robert, Ronald, and Richard. Predeceased by his parents, wife Barb, and daughter-in-law Karen (Blake) Heinzeroth.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held February 12, 2024, at Sunset Funeral Home, 8800 N. Alpine Rd., Machesney Park, IL. from 4-7pm. Food will be served. Memorial donations may be given to the Laurent House Foundation, Inc., 4646 Spring Brook Rd., Rockford, IL 61114.
