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Jerome Girard Obituary
Girard, Jerome Daniel Paul "Jerry" born July 20, 1925, in Chicago, IL, to the late Arthur Sr. and Cora (nee Vollmer), passed away Friday, July 7, 2006 at his home in Wheeling, IL. Jerry, beloved husband of Mary Cecilia (nee Kretz) Connor and the late Mary Louise (nee Urbanus), loving father of Stephen (Emily) Girard, Daniel (Jennifer) Girard, Teresa (James) Hahn and Constance (Christopher) Linster, proud grandfather of Jessie, Mary Jo, Conor, Hannah and Parker Girard, Jonathan, Patrick, Cassandra and Jillian Hahn, dear step-father of Stephen (Shu Yi Li) Connor, Patricia (David) Schippers, Valerie (Peter) Gunther, Michael (Nancy) Connor, Susan (Roger) Gemignani and Christopher Connor, dear step-grandfather of Erin (Matt) Coari, Jessica, Stephen, Patty Rose, Michael and Colleen Connor, Davey, A.J., Brian and Valerie Schippers, Emilie and Allison Gunther, Roger, Jake, Samantha and Patrick Gemignani, step-great-grandfather to John Coari, Joshua and Stephen Connor, cherished brother to the late Mary (Bill) Fardy, Ruth (Art) Jago, Arthur Jr. "Bud" (Maxine), survived by younger brother Donald (Milli) Girard, dear brother-in-law of Edmund (Lois) and Frederick (Rosemary) Urbanus, Bill (Joan) and Al (Alice) Kretz, and Caroline (Jack) Whalen, sweet cousin, uncle, great-uncle to many adoring and loving nieces, nephews and their families. Friend to many, unsung hero to many more. He dedicated his life, love, energy and time, first and foremost to his family and in a close second to his many friends. Jerry's faith was his guide. He possessed a strong faith and had a life-long commitment to the Catholic Church. As part of "the Greatest Generation", Jerry was raised during the depression in St. Genevieve's parish in the Craigin neighborhood of Chicago. He learned a value of duty, honor and hard work at a young age. He was trained as a bombardier in the United States Air Force during World War II. He continued to serve his country after the end of the war, attending DePaul University along the way. Jerry worked in the printing industry all of his life. It was (and is) in the family's blood. He worked his way up from runner to Vice President of Operations for LaSalle Street Press/Bowne of Chicago, along the way earning the respect and admiration of the people who worked with him and for him. "Tough but fair" was his motto as an employer (and as a parent). Jerry lived a well-rounded life. He was an accomplished fisherman and an avid golfer (hit two holes-in-one!). A lover of the great outdoors, he enjoyed taking numerous road trips all over the U.S. He was fascinated with sites of historical importance but also loved exploring destinations unknown. In his later years he added cruising to his itinerary. He excelled at woodworking, clock and funiture making. He loved operating his model trains. He was a natural green thumb, too. Jerry was blessed with two great loves. Mary Lou with whom he shared the joys and hard work of raising their four children. Mary Cecilia with whom he shared the golden/sunset years and she saw him safely home. Always a gentleman, he was a man of few words who only ever wanted "A few kind words". Visitation will be held from 4 p.m. until 8:30 p.m., Monday, July 10, 2006, at Kelley & Spalding Funeral Home, 1787 Deerfield Rd., Highland Park, IL. Mass 10 a.m., Tuesday, July 11, 2006, at Holy Cross Church, 724 Elder Ln., Deerfield, IL. Interment All Saints Cemetery, Des Plaines, IL. For more information or directions please call 847-831-4260. In lieu of flowers, if desired, donations can be made in his memory to the Holy Cross Catholic Church Vision For The Future Fund, by mail: Vision For The Future, 724 Elder Lane, Deerfield, IL 60015. For more information, call 847-945-0430.To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Jerome Girard
Julie Schenk
August 27, 2006
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family now as you grieve the loss of a great man. Uncle Jerry will be missed!
Ed, Julie, Kevin, Kelsey and Keegan Schenk
Maryann Jago Cristante
August 16, 2006
Dear Family,
Kind words are comforting, yet they do not take away the pain of losing someone you love so dearly.
Mary, you and Jerry shared love at a very special time in your lives. Thank you God for this Blessing.
Stephen, Emily, Daniel, Jennifer, Teresa, Jim, Connie, Chris and all you beautiful grandchildren, Jerry's love for you was always bountiful and filled with pride. For all, Jerome Girard's spirit lives there within your hearts.
Love and kindness know no bounds as you all walked beside Jerry during his illness. One could see the gratitude in his beautiful blue eyes. When it was time, you all ushered him "home" with grace and dignity. As you keep close the fond memories, just know that Love and Life are eternal.
Thanks for the dance Uncle Jerry.
Love you forever,
Maryann
Joe, Marypat, Megan, Nicole and Autumn Rostowsky
July 24, 2006
Mary, Steven, Danny, Teresa and Connie, We are so sorry for your loss. We have many fond memories of Uncle Jerry, especially on Christmas Eve. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Barb Connery-Ludtke
July 23, 2006
Dear Girard Family,
I am so sorry to hear of Jerrys death. I ran into someone today that we worked with at LaSalle Street Press/Bowne together and he gave me the the news. Jerry was such a funny person to work for. God bless and take care.
Barb Connery-Ludtke
Teresa (Girard) Hahn
July 13, 2006
To all our family and friends:
Thank you so much for all of your kind thoughts and words. It is so wonderful to hear from all of you (some we haven't heard from in a long time) and know that you are thinking of us...
Your comments and memories of Dad are extremely comforting and remind us that we are not the only ones feeling this loss.
Chuck & Dee Schumann
July 11, 2006
Teresa, Jim & Family;
Please accept our deepest sympathy
on the loss your loved one. Teresa' Our prayers are with you & your family.
Sheila (Kerrigan) Wheeler
July 11, 2006
I just heard about your loss. I am so terribly sorry. I have so many fond memories of him as I played with Teresa and Connie at the house on Susan Lane in Deerfield. He and Mary Lou always welcomed me. Please know that he will still live in my memories.
Amy and Seth Bowers
July 11, 2006
Connie, Chris and family; We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts are with you, let us know if we can help in any way.
Jane Kilanowski
July 10, 2006
To Steve, Danny, Teresa (Jim), Connie and Mary.
Sincerest sympathy on your loss. Even though it's been many years since I've seen your Dad, fond memories of so many years together at Bowne (and the many visits of all of you as kids) will be with me always.
Mary, I met you once at a play in the loop shortly after you and Jerry we married. I hope the years you and Jerry were together will leave many fond memories to comfort you.
I received Jerry's note in his latest card last Christmas. He seemed to have the will to fight the fight but also showed an acceptance whatever the outcome. I hope these last few months all of you shared with Jerry help during this time and that you are able to celebrate the life of this man who leaves a loving family and so many friends.
I will keep you all in my prayers and know Jerry is walking with angels now, free of pain and looking down on the blessings of his life.
I am thankful I had the opportunity to know him.
freda goldblatt
July 10, 2006
Dearest Connie and family:
Our hearts goes out to you and we send our deepest sympathy. I know what a wonderful father, husband and grandfather he was and what he meant to all.
We are thinking of you.
Love Freda & Kenny Goldblatt
John Bachar
July 9, 2006
I worked at LaSalle Street Press/Bowne with Jerry for many years. Yes he was fair with everyone and also would hear others ideas with an open mind. My condolences to his family.
Shirley Warner
July 9, 2006
It was our priveleged honor,as one time neighbors and forever friends,to have been included in Jerry's life journey.May the Girard family find comfort in his legacy of golden memories, and know he travels on now in comfort,peace, and eternally loved.
Shirley and Dick Warner
Fort Collins,CO
Bob Kmiecik
July 9, 2006
Sister Rose de Lima will be proud of you.Go with God.
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