Gerald R. “Jerry” Dye, 80, of Leaf River, IL, passed away peacefully, Sunday morning, November 27, 2022 at Swedish American Hospital. He was born March 21, 1942 in La Fayette, IN, the son of James and Mary (Jewel) Dye. Jerry served in the United States Army. Jerry married his sweetheart, Kathleen Baxter on January 6, 1972. He worked as a truck driver for many years, most recently for Carlson Transport prior to retirement. Jerry enjoyed being outdoors, especially camping and boating. He was a collector of Christmas bears for over 34 years and had a vast collection. Most of all, the brightest lights in his life were his grandchildren. He cherished all the time he was able to spend with them.
Jerry is loved and missed by his loving wife, Kathleen; children, Tina (Larry) Harvell of IL, Debbie (Todd) Manasco of AL, and Chris Dye of IL, Gerald Dye, Jr. of IL, Becky (Lewis) Kincaid of NV, Kimberly (Scott) Wilson of IA; 22 grandchildren; 41 great-grandchildren as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter Rhonda Lowe, 6 brothers and 4 sisters.
A memorial gathering will be held at a later date.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.advantagerockford.com for the Dye family.
