Jerry Lee Engelkins, 76, of Morrison, IL, passed from this life at his home with his wife by his side, on Tuesday, August 1, 2023.
Jerry was born on January 16, 1947, in Morrison, IL, to Bernard and Dorothy (Geerts) Engelkins. He attended Lockhart country school and Garden Plain Elementary School and graduated from Fulton High School, Class of ’64. He enlisted in the United States Navy and served his Country for four years, from 1965-1969, as a Boiler Technician 2nd Class E-5 on board the USS Mississinewa AO-144, serving in the Mediterranean Sea.
He married Diane Bowman, the love of his life, on November 20, 1978, in Las Vegas, NV. They were married nearly 45 years.
Jerry was employed as a Carmen Welder at the Chicago Northwestern Railroad for 25 years. He also worked part time as a Commercial Fisherman. After injuries caused his early retirement, Jerry became a licensed Taxidermist for 12 years. He was very proud of his work. He also enjoyed helping his father-in-law, Art Bowman, do farm work.
Jerry loved the outdoors and was an avid hunter, which he learned from his Grandpa Jabbes Geerts, the man to whom he looked up. He raised and trained four hunting dogs. Rusty, the coon hunter; Brandy and Chelsie, Irish Setter bird dogs; Queen, Black Lab bird dog. His passion was deer hunting for over 53 years.
Jerry was very proud of his yard and used to plant a large garden. He always said that he was born 100 years too late. He and Diane loved to travel by car, especially out West. Jerry also went to Washington, D.C. on an Honor Flight in 2018.
Jerry is survived by his wife, Diane; brother, Steve (Alice) Engelkins; sister-in-law, Carol (Larry) Clark; daughter, Lisa; numerous grandchildren, nieces, and nephews, great-nieces and -nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; parents-in-law, Art and Cleo Bowman; brother, Ricky Engelkins; sister, Vicky Steward; son, Chad Engelkins.
Jerry was a man, son, grandson, brother, brother-in-law, father, grandfather, an uncle, a great-uncle, and a beloved husband.
Jerry knew God, “His Heavenly Father,” was always there and loved him unconditionally, and that His son, Jesus, died so that Jerry might live.
His Funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m., on Saturday, August 5, 2023, at the Fulton Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home, with Ken Renkes officiating.
A Visitation will precede the service, starting at 11:00 a.m., until the time of the service.
Burial will be at Garden Plain Cemetery, Garden Plain, IL.
A memorial has been established.