Gerald "Jerry" Peters

Gerald “Jerry” Peters, 84, of Petersburg passed away on April 23, 2024. Jerry was born in Quincy, Illinois on August 21, 1939; the son of the late Martha and Lawrence Peters. Jerry married Marylee Chval on November 28,1964, in Forest Park, Illinois and they spent the next 59 years growing their beloved family and spending a wonderful life together. Jerry is survived by his wife Marylee; his children Mark Peters (Anna), Connie Werts (Marc) and Chris Adams (Joe); siblings Donald Peters, Jim Peters, and Evelyn Smith; 10 grandchildren: Maggie, Emily, Alexandra, John, Lincoln, Haylee, Joy, Corrine and Jesse and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his sister, Marylou Breckenkamp. Jerry graduated from Quincy High School and the University of Illinois, Champaign, with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, where he was a member of Phi Kappa Theta Fraternity. It was here that Jerry met the love of his life, Marylee, on a blind date at KAMS. Following college, Jerry worked at the Springfield Sanitary District for over 33 years, retiring on as Executive Director. Following the Sanitary District, Jerry worked as a consultant at Hanson Professional Services and Myers Land Service. Jerry was very active in and passionate about the Illinois environmental engineering community, which included: Young Engineer of the Year Award of the Illinois Society of Engineers, Vice President of the Illinois Association of Wastewater Agencies, State Representative for the Capital Area of Engineers, President of the Central Illinois Water Pollution Control Association, Board Member of the Illinois Water Pollution Control Board, member of the Sangamon County Subdivision Development Committee, Secretary-Treasurer of the Illinois Waste Water Plant Operations Association and Program Committee Chair of the Illinois Waste Water Plant Operators. Church, faith and community were a big part of Jerry’s life. Jerry was a devout Catholic and a member of Little Flower Church in Springfield, St. Jude Catholic Church in Rochester, and Holy Family Church in Athens. Jerry was on the Regional Planning Committee for Camp Widjiwagan-Girl Scouts of America, a judge in speaking competitions for the 4-H Club and Boy Scouts of America, President of the Little Flower Parish Council, Board Member of the Knights of Columbus-Council #4179, a member of the Little Flower Men’s Club, a member of the Holy Family Church Choir, a member of the Elks Club and a member of the Capital City Toastmasters Club. Jerry volunteered at St. Martin De Porres Food Bank, the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, and the New Salem State Historic Site. Jerry wore a constant smile on his face, had an infectious laugh and adored the love of his life, Marylee. Jerry enjoyed golfing, traveling, genealogy, antiquing, book collecting, map collecting, writing, following the St. Louis Cardinals and watching (and cursing) his beloved Fighting Illini football and basketball teams. However, more than anything Jerry loved spending time with his family particularly at “the Lakehouse” fishing, grilling, throwing back a few beers, laughing, storytelling, boating, swimming, chasing his grandkids and playing bags. The family will receive guests Saturday, April 27, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Service 12:00 p.m. at Hurley Funeral Home, 122 W Douglas Ave, Petersburg, IL 62675. Interment will follow immediately at Calvary Cemetery in Petersburg, IL. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Jerry’s memory to Holy Family Catholic Church, 309 Springfield Rd, Athens, IL. Hurley Funeral Home in Petersburg is in charge of arrangements.

Gerald "Jerry" Peters

August 21, 1939 - April 23, 2024

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