Gerald L. "Jerry" Russ

Gerald L. “Jerry” Russ

Age 79 of Crest Hill, IL, passed away in his home on August 26, 2022 with his family by his side.

Born October 23, 1942, Jerry was a son of John J. and Barbara (née Dragovan) Russ. Raised in the Joliet area, he graduated from St. Joseph Grade School, Lockport Township High School, and Joliet Junior College. He obtained his bachelor’s degree from North Central College in 1965.  

On July 29, 1967, Jerry married Janet M. Benedick in St. Joseph Catholic Church.

Jerry was a Senior Systems Analyst for Caterpillar and retired at the end of 2002 after more than 36 years of dedicated service.

A longtime member of St. Ambrose Catholic Church, he was an avid sports fan, especially of both the Chicago Cubs and the Chicago Bears. He loved weather watching and looked forward to winters filled with snow.  

Jerry had a passion for problem-solving and could often be found working at a computer or enjoying something on television.

Survivors include his loving wife of 55 years, Janet M. Russ; sons, Brian Russ and Todd (Leona) Russ; granddaughter, Meaghan Russ; sisters-in-law, Geradette Russ and JoAnne Benedick; nieces and nephews, Heather Benedick, Jeff (Jenn) Benedick, John (Danae) Russ and Scott (Katie) Russ; numerous great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins; and his lifelong friend, Vince (Pat) Marvic.

Jerry was preceded in death by his son, Mark G. Russ (2011); parents, John J. and Barbara Russ; brother, John S. Russ; brother-in-law, Bob Benedick (2022); and father and mother-in-law, Theodore and Marcella (McCarney) Benedick.               

A visitation will be held on Thursday, September 1, 2022 at 3:30 p.m. with a Celebration of Life ceremony beginning at 6:30 p.m. at Blackburn-Giegerich-Sonntag Funeral Home, 1500 Black Road, Joliet, IL 60435.

Relatives and friends are invited to meet at St. Ambrose Catholic Church, 1711 Burry Circle Drive, Crest Hill, on Friday, September 2, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. for the celebration of a Mass of Christian burial.

Jerry will be laid to rest in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Joliet, IL  

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Jerry’s memory to the Benet Academy Fine Arts Department, Joliet Catholic Academy, or Lightways Hospice and Serious Illness Care.

Relatives and friends are encouraged to sign the online guest book by logging onto www.PleseFuneralservices.com.

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the genuine care and direction of Kenneth A. Plese, in Joliet, IL   815-735-2125.

Please click on to the link for Lifestreaming for the Celebration of Life on Thursday, September 2, 2022 at 6:30 p.m. -  https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/authorise.php?k=1662070612205826