Gary L Kerr

Gary L. Kerr, 83, of Peoria, Illinois, died peacefully on Wednesday morning, January 31, 2024, at his home at Shepherd’s Way at Proctor Place after a long and courageous battle of 21 years with Parkinson’s Disease.

Gary was born January 1, 1941, in York, PA. He was the tenth of twelve children and youngest son born to the late Albert and Lestie (Becker)Kerr. Gary loved his family and took great pride in the legacy of the Kerr Family. Gary is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Connie (Green) Kerr. They were high school sweethearts who were devoted to one another and provided a true inspiration to their family and friends. Gary was a dearly loved father and grandfather and is survived by 3 children, his son, Michael L. Kerr (Vicky) of Mt. Wolf, PA. and his daughters, Michele Pugsley (Wade) of Littleton, CO., and Maureen Colvin (Mark), of Dunlap, Illinois and 5 grandchildren, Joshua Colvin (Tory), Megan Colvin, Alyssa Pugsley Walker (Cody), Mallory Rozema (John), and Jade Taylor (Ronny) and 3 great-grandchildren, Cora, Clarissa, and Aubrey. In addition, Gary is survived by his sisters, Marian Albaugh, Carolyn Kohler, Joan Rau, Alice Myers, and Sue Aldinger all of York, PA. and his brother-in-law, Robert Green (Barb) of West Grove, PA. as well as many nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly.

Gary retired from Caterpillar Tractor Company in Peoria, Illinois in 2002 after 36 years as an accountant and project manager. His work with Caterpillar moved him from York, PA. in 1972 to Peoria, Illinois and then to Sao Paulo, Brazil in 1978 – 1981 and then back to Peoria in 1981 until he retired in 2002. Gary was a 1958 graduate of West York High School where he excelled at academics and sports. Gary was a varsity wrestler, captain of his football team and a member of the National Honor Society. West York High School was where Gary met the love of his life, Connie. She was the captain of the cheerleading squad, and he was captain of the football team! Their love story was one the family enjoyed hearing often.

While attending Gettysburg College, Gary was an active member of the Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity, the U.S. Army ROTC and played college football for Gettysburg. He graduated from Gettysburg College in 1962 with a Bachelor of Arts degree and his U.S. Army ROTC Commission and completed his service as a 1st Lieutenant in the United States Army in 1965. Gary was stationed in Germany in 1964 – 1965 and his family joined him there. Their love of travel was born during this experience. Gary completed his master’s degree in business administration from Bradley University and then completed his CMA certification.

Gary and Connie enjoyed many wonderful travel experiences with friends and family. Their travels took them all over the world. They made friends easily and enjoyed new experiences and adventures in Europe, South America, and all over the United States. Gary loved whenever their travel adventures included an opportunity to go trout or flounder fishing. Gary was an outstanding individual who loved his family and friends deeply. He was always there to lend a helping hand or try to help you solve a problem. He was so proud of the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren. Gary was devoted to his wife Connie and enjoyed surprising her with thoughtful gifts that would make her smile. He will be missed tremendously by his family and many friends.

The family wishes to thank the tremendously caring and skilled staff at Shepherd’s Way at Proctor Place for their dedication and care of Gary and the support provided to Connie the past couple of years. We are forever grateful to everyone that cared for Gary.

The family invites you to join them to celebrate the life of Gary on Friday February 9, 2024, at the Davison-Fulton-Woolsey-Wilton Funeral Home at 2408 W. Willow Knolls Dr. Peoria, Illinois 61614. The visitation will be from 1:00 – 2:00 with the service for Gary from 2:00 – 3:00 and light refreshments following the service.

Later this year, the family will honor Gary with a memorial service in his hometown of York, PA.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to the following organizations:

Rock Steady Boxing at their headquarters – 6847 Hillsdale Ct. Indianapolis, IN. 46250 -rocksteadyboxing.org

The Central Illinois Parkinson’s Support Group at 1744 Kingsbury Rd. Washington, Illinois 61571 or online at cipdsupportgroup.org

Thank you!