Jerome Joseph Katchmar

Jerome Joseph Katchmar “Jerry” born to Anna and Joseph Katchmar on the 24th day of August 1927. He passed peacefully on the 22nd day of August, 2026 just two short days before his 99th Birthday. "I hope to have the chance to see all of the great and wonderful inventions and all of the ways our wonderful world has advanced."

Jerry was a man with unwavering faith, he lived his life defined by hard work, boundless thirst for knowledge, and a deep love and respect for others with an unwavering belief in God. Jerry was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. Jerry’s accomplishments were many and varied, never enough time in the day to learn and accomplish any and all things, yet he carried them with characteristic humility. Not a man that found the need to brag. Let me take a moment to brag for him.

His associations and just a few of the organizations that he was affiliated with were the American Optometric Association, Illinois Optometric Society, Mid-State (Illinois) Optometric Society, Knights of Columbus Council 1692, Lions Club International, Loyal Order of the Moose. Jerry was President, Vice President, Treasurer and Chairman for the Jerseyville, IL Lions Club. All at different times of course. Jerry was President, Vice President and Treasurer for the Mid-State (Illinois) Optometric Society. Grand Knight at Knights of Columbus (Council 1692). He was President at the Mascoutah Chamber of Commerce and Director of the Mascoutah Zoning Council. Over 60 years in the First Catholic Slovak Union.

Jerry didn’t have enough to do so he held down 3 Optometric practices, one in Jerseyville, IL, one in Mascoutah, IL, and one in Roadhouse, IL. Jerry was Owner, Operator, Manager and Optometrist for all 3 at the same time.

Some of Jerry’s interests when he had a spare second were taking flying lessons and getting his private pilot's license, but that was not enough for Jerry. He went on to receive his Commercial Pilot’s License, was rated for instrument flight, multi-engine, land fixed wing and of course became a certified flight and ground instructor. He purchased a small Grumman American airplane that he took his friends and family for flights on every Sunday.

What fun and grand memories he gave to everyone around him. Jerry was a devout Roman Catholic. Jerry gave his life to God. He lived his life through his faith through quiet acts of kindness and generosity. Always ready, willing and able to help those less fortunate. Some may not know, but Jerry was one step away from becoming a priest himself. The evening before his last vows he spoke to Monsignor and said, “I don’t think I should go through with this.” Monsignor was perplexed but Jerry told him I think I would like to have a family. Monsignor asked Jerry what would you like to do now and Jerry said I would like to be a doctor, Monsignor said you would make a terrific priest, but I understand and I give you my blessing. Monsignor and Jerry continued their friendship; Monsignor was there when Jerry graduated from college and started his new journey as a doctor.

Jerry has one daughter Judi (Jeff) Hurst, grandson Jeremy (Nikki) Hurst, and great-granddaughter Olivia Hurst. Jerry had a stepdaughter Kelly (Gregg) Ingersol and two stepsons Dan and John Mahoney. Jerry was preceded in death by his mother, Anna Spisak-Katchmar, his father, Joseph Kathmar, his first wife Mildred and his second wife Carolyn.

Jerry’s memory will be cherished by all who were blessed to know and love him. A Funeral Mass will be held at San Marco Catholic Church on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at 11:00 am. A second service will be held at Blessed Pope John Paul II Catholic Church in Mount Olive, IL on Monday, October 19, 2026, at 11:00 am.