Jerry Allen Stephens

Jerry Allen Stephens, 89, of Havana, passed away at Pekin Manor on November 2, 2015 at 6:03 p.m. He was born in Fulton County, IL, near Summum on March 29, 1926 to Ghlee and Dorothy (Stubblefield) Stephens. Jerry attended Havana schools until he joined the Navy during WWII. He was stationed in California where he served on a crash rescue boat. After serving two years, he was honorably discharged in June of 1946. When Jerry came home he married Betty Seggelke on June 24, 1948 and lived and worked on the Stephens family turkey farm, East of Havana. Jerry and Betty became the proud parents of Mark (Lynn) of Canton, Dan (Kathy) of Canton, Paul (Jan) of Havana, Mary Beth of Beason and Tim of Rock Falls. They moved their family to Havana in 1963 when Jerry was employed at the C&IM Railroad Coal Docks. He worked there for 30 years and became a Master Mechanic. Jerry and Betty had a busy, happy life centered around their children. Their fondest memories are the ones of camping, bonfires and searching for 4-leaf clovers. Family dinners at Quiver Beach were always enjoyed. Jerry is survived by his wife, Betty, of 67 years, five children, 14 grandchildren: Jennifer of Williams Bay, WI, Tom (Katie) of Mt. Vernon, IA, Cheryl (Wayne) Krus of Canton, Adam of East Peoria, Karin (Jackie) Janssen of Peoria, John Leslie of Las Vegas, Jill (Jon) Bohnick of Land O Lakes, FL, Alex (Katie Dye) of Peoria, Andy of Land O Lakes, FL, Katie (Brian) Baker of Deer Creek, Stephanie (David) Duncan of Lincoln, Sarah of Bay Shore, NY, David of Sterling, IL and John (Amanda) Mosier of LaFayette, IN, as well as 15 great-grandchildren. Also surviving are brother-in-law Bill (Carol) Seggelke of Virginia Beach, VA and sister-in-laws Mary Lou Stephens and Shirley Stephens of Havana. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Dudley and Edwin, daughter in law, Phyllis Stephens and son-in-law Jessie Mosier of Lincoln. Visitation will be held at Hurley Funeral Home on Friday, November 6, 2015 from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. Rosary is scheduled for 4:30, prior to the visitation at the funeral home. A funeral mass will be held at St. Patrick's Catholic Church at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 7, 2015. Burial will follow the services at Laurel Hill Cemetery in Havana. Fr. David Whiteside will officiate. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Patrick's Catholic Church. Military rites will be provided at the graveside by VFW Post #6408 and American Legion Post #138 of Havana. Hurley Funeral Home in Havana is in charge of arrangements.

Jerry Allen Stephens

March 29, 1926 - November 2, 2015

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