Gerald "Jerry" Briel

Gerald (Jerry) Joseph Briel, 90, of Ottawa passed away peacefully Friday evening, August 16, 2024 at Illinois Veteran’s Home of LaSalle surrounded by his loving family.

Jerry was born October 12, 1933 to the late Francis and Veronica (Shandor) Briel. He married Lorraine (Brown) on October 6, 1956 at St. Patrick’s Church in Ottawa, IL. Jerry served as a Corporal in the U.S. Army XVIII Airborne. After his military service he worked at Schrock Fertilizer before moving to Pilkington (LOF) where he earned his Electrician Certification from IVCC. An outdoor enthusiast, he and Lorraine enjoyed traveling the United States and overseas with family and friends.

"The best role model, mentor, supporter, and teacher - the best father anyone could have"… Jerry was a devoted father and papa, known for his presence at their school and sporting events. His Sunday morning pancakes, waffles and eggs, and Halloween popcorn balls were the stuff of family legend. He was an avid fisherman, carving/wood shop enthusiast, sudoku and Wheel of Fortune puzzle solver, and the go to family handyman whether wiring a light/home or any building/painting project. After retirement, Jerry could be found swinging his golf club in the backyard or on the golf course.

He was actively involved in his community serving on the Boards of Wallace Grade School and Financial Plus Credit Union. A lifelong member of The Knights of Columbus, American Legion, Moose and VFW he loved participating in their many events prepping and cooking in the kitchen or bingo nights.

Jerry will be missed by his wife of 68 years Lorraine, three children: Julie (Briel) Kinney of Plainfield, IL, Tom (LeAnn) Briel of Ankeny, IA, and Amy Murri Briel (Son-in-law Steve Slothower) of Ottawa, IL; seven grandchildren: Broc (Natalie) Kinney, Kelsey Kinney, Hunter (Olivia) Briel, Charles (Jada) Briel, and Gerald, Sam and Henry Slothower. Five greatgrandchildren: Drake (Kelsey Kinney) Flagg, Collette and Brooks Kinney, and Briggs and Booker (Hunter) Briel.  He is also survived by a sister-in-law Sally (Joseph) Briel, along with many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his daughter-in-law Bridget (Thorton) Briel; three brothers, five sister’s-in-law and three brother’s-in-law: Fritz (Joan), Dick (Karen), and Joseph Briel; Marion (James) McConville, Lucille (Frank) Newcomer, Mary (James) Brown.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, August 31, 2024 from 8:30-10:00 a.m. at Ottawa Funeral Home.  Mass of Christian burial will be at 10:30 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Church in Ottawa with Father Ramza officiating. Burial will follow at St. Columba Cemetery in Ottawa.

The family wishes to send a special thank you to the staff at the Illinois Veteran’s Home LaSalle for their care and compassion during these last ten years of caring for our husband, father and papa.

Memorial donations may be directed towards the St. Patrick’s Church or Cure Alzheimer’s Fund at https://curealz.org/giving/donate/