Gerald ‘Jerry’ Davidson, 76, of Minooka
Gerald Davidson, age 76, of Minooka, passed away Friday, July 28, at home on the family farm, surrounded by family.
Jerry was born in Joliet, Illinois on July 12, 1947, to the late Ruth (nee Arnold) and William Davidson. Jerry was raised on the farm and spent his whole life there. Over the years, Jerry raised dairy and beef cattle and farmed grain. His love of the farm was surpassed only by his devotion to his family, friends and the community of Minooka. He and Lorraine stood ready and willing to volunteer, coordinate, chair and participate in so many worthwhile causes throughout their lives.
Surviving are his daughters, Marcia Davidson and Kathleen (Brian) Kaplan; three grandchildren, Avery, Maisy and Liam Kaplan; brother, Donald (Sig) Davidson; mother-in-law, Helen Furto; two sisters-in-law, Louise and Diane Furto; three brothers-in-law, James (Peg), Ronald, and Dennis Furto. Numerous nieces, nephews and cousins also survive.
Jerry is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 52 years, Lorraine A. Davidson (nee Furto); his parents, William and Ruth Davidson; brothers, Jim and Billy Davidson; sister-in-law, Stephanie Davidson (nee Mann); nephew, Marc Davidson; father-in-law, Thomas Furto; and brother-in-law, Albert Furto.
Jerry was past President and a founder of the Will County Farm Bureau Foundation, a past President and active member of the Minooka Lions Club where he received honors of Volunteer of the Year and the Melvin Jones Award which he was very proud of. He chaired the Minooka Summerfest Finance Committee and always supported Minooka Fire Department and CASA, to name a few.
His love for baseball and his generous heart brought hundreds together every summer for his annual trip to a Kane County Cougars baseball game to share his love of the sport with many. He enjoyed fishing, being a Chicago Cubs fan and most of all, spending time with his grandkids.
Funeral services for Jerry were held Tuesday, Aug. 1, at Village Christian Church, 8965 S. Bell Road, Minooka, with interment at Seward Mound Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Jerry’s name can be made to the Will County Farm Bureau Foundation, Minooka Lions Club or Village Christian Church. For more information, please call the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home at 815-741-5500, or visit his Memorial Tribute at http://www.fredcdames.com where you can share a favorite memory or leave an online condolence.