Robert Gerald Clark
Robert Gerald "Jerry" Clark, 69, of Belleville, Illinois, entered into the loving arms of Jesus Christ on Thursday, Fe. 6, 2014 after a courageous six-year journey with Alzheimer's Disease. Jeanette, Jessica, close friend Kathy Warren and Hospice were at his side. Jerry was born Wednesday, March 8, 1944, to Robert and Julia nee Smith Clark in Du Quoin, Ill.
Jerry graduated from Du Quoin High School, earned his Bachelor Degree from McKendree University in Lebanon, Ill. and a Master of Social Work Degree from St. Louis University in St. Louis, Mo. He retired in December 2001 from the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services where he was a child abuse lead investigator. In retirement he was employed by both Memorial Hospital and Hospice as a social worker and the St. Louis Zoo as a parking lot attendant. Jerry was a multidimensional person who was an avid reader and very knowledgeable on many topics. He loved music and the outdoors. He spent countless hours horseback and bicycle riding, hiking and walking his dog, Newby. Jerry loved animals and had two horses, Cicero and Salty. He enjoyed golfing and lawn work and was an avid Cardinal baseball fan. Jerry's vacations were as unique as he was. He worked on a cattle ranch in Idaho and a cattle drive in Nevada. He also backpacked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon twice and vacationed in Alaska, spending time above the Arctic Circle. Jerry was also very creative as well, making stained glass creations and woodworking projects.
Jerry was a member of the Sierra Club and attended Cornerstone Christian Church. He was an advocate for the Alzheimer's Association and participated in Lobby Day in Springfield, Ill. and the Walk to End Alzheimer's Disease every September. He was a wonderful husband and father
He was preceded in death by his parents and mother-in-law, Ilene Rettle.
Jerry is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Jeanette Rettle whom he married on Oct. 20, 1984; daughter, Jessica R. Rettle of Belleville, Ill.; sister, Jane (Roy) McCorkle of Mt. Vernon, Ill.; brother-in-law, Richard (Wende) Rettle of Marine, Ill.; nieces, Sarah (Mark) Mitchell, Laura (Chris) Woolverton, Valerie Muti and Monica Rettle; nephews, Ryan (Kris) McCorkle, Raymond (Cassi) Rettle and Joseph Rettle; great nieces and great nephews.
Our heartfelt thanks goes to everyone who lifted us up in prayer over the years, to our church family, friends and neighbors who have been extremely supportive and helpful, Rev. Darrell Coons, the Alzheimer's Association, the Young Spouse of Early Onset support group, Passages Hospice, Golden Years Day Program and Atrium Health Care.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.kurrusfh.com.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, Passages Hospice or Belleville Area Humane Society.
Friends may call from 3:00 - 8:00 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 9, 2014 at Kurrus Funeral Home in Belleville, Illinois.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, Feb. 10, 2014 at Kurrus Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Darrell Coons officiating. Interment will follow at Walnut Hill Cemetery, Belleville, Illinois.