Gerald F. "Jerry" Malik

Gerald F. "Jerry" Malik, 76, of Springfield, passed away at 12:01 p.m. on Monday, August 26, 2013 at Memorial Medical Center. Jerry was born on March 12, 1937 in Chicago, the son of Frank and Pearl Pernsteen Malik. He married Barbara Knapp on October 29, 1983 in Marley, IL; she preceded him in death on August 27, 2012. Jerry was honored to and enjoyed serving his country. He began military service as a paratrooper during the Korean crisis. He later served in the Minnesota and Illinois Air National Guard as a C130 Loadmaster, deployed to conflicts and peacetime humanitarian missions around the globe. He was a member of Air Force Sergeant Association and the National Bricklayers Association. Jerry enjoyed travelling, woodworking, photography, and shopping. He was also preceded in death by his parents and sister, Joan. He was the beloved father of Michael (Janet) Malik, Eloise (Dennis) Baird, Bonnie Marcisz (Kirk Fybel), Sharon Marcisz, and Joe (Sherry) Marcisz; dear grandfather of Daniel, Rachel, Kathryn, Benjamin, and Rebecca. He was also a great-grandfather. Visitation: Family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 5, 2013 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. Visitation will begin with a prayer service at 5:00 p.m. Funeral Mass: 10:30 a.m. on Friday, September 6, 2013 at St. Agnes Catholic Church, 245 N. Amos St., Springfield with Rev. Robert Jallas, celebrant. Burial will follow at Camp Butler National Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to: Animal Protective League, 1001 Taintor Rd., Springfield, IL 62702.