Walter “Jerry” LaGrow, of Springfield, IL, a highly decorated law enforcement veteran, loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, loyal sibling and friend, died at 84 on April 15, 2024, in Springfield, IL.
Jerry was a trailblazing law enforcement officer who had a distinguished 35-year career in Illinois after being born in Chicago on September 26, 1939.
Jerry served with the Chicago Police Department from 1964 to 1974, rising through the ranks to become a commander in the Vice Control Division’s Narcotics Section. He was renowned for making over 2000 felony narcotics arrests with a high conviction rate. His achievements included the largest seizure of marijuana, heroin, and peyote in Chicago’s history during the 1970s.
From 1974 to 1983, Jerry took on a prominent role as the Director of Polices for the Multi-County Narcotics Enforcement group (MEG), leading a six-county narcotics unit covering over 5,000 square miles of central Illinois. It was during this position that he moved his family to Morton, IL.
In 1983, Jerry joined the Illinois Secretary of State Police where he was later selected to train at the FBI National Academy in Quantico in 1991. He held leadership positions including commander, deputy director of the Special Services and Investigation Division, and ultimately Lt. Colonel and merit captain. He pioneered initiatives like the department’s physical fitness program, and weapon’s policies. His investigations resulted in a 95% conviction rate for auto theft and fraud cases.
After retiring from the Secretary of State Police in 2000, Jerry founded CAI Incorporated, a private detective agency affiliated with Veracity Research Company. He consulted on major fraud cases involving securities, money laundering, bank fraud, and more.
Jerry’s commitment to law enforcement spanned over half a century. In addition to his police work, he served 24 years in the military, starting in the Army and retiring as a Senior Master Sergeant from the Illinois Air National Guard in 1995. He earned a master’s degree from the University of Illinois Springfield. Jerry was also an active volunteer for many charities, local and national causes and a member of many organizations that were important to him, where he made new friendships and had a great impact. He was always on the move, often saying he was headed out to search for “criminal activity.”
Known as a fierce protector who cared deeply for others, Jerry was a “guy’s guy” with a fun-loving spirit and gift for storytelling. He was always well put together, physically fit, an avid Chicago Bears fan, and quietly committed to his Catholic faith.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Madge LaGrow and Willard Bloomfield; daughter, Karen Catton; and siblings, Helen, Betty Jo, Willard Jr. and George.
Walter is survived by his wife of 58 years, Mary Alice LaGrow of Springfield; son, Jeff (Nancy) LaGrow of Morton, IL; daughters, Laura (Patkus) LaGrow of Mt. Sterling, IL and Julianne (Andrew) Thompson of CT; twelve grandchildren, Elizabeth (Brock) Heider, Emily (Josh) Barry, Amanda (Krystal) LaGrow, Sarah (Shane) Gaunt, Alec and Brady Marvin, Violet (Joseph) and Vanessa Patkus, and Daniel, Michael, Ella, and Ryan Thompson; ten great-grandchildren; and sisters, Sharon and Donna.
Visitation and Funeral Mass: Family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. on Monday, April 22, 2024, at St. Agnes Catholic Church, 245 N. Amos Ave, Springfield, IL. A Funeral Mass will follow at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Daniel J. Bergbower, celebrant. Military honors will be provided following the Mass.
Cremation will be provided by Butler Cremation Tribute Center.
Burial will be held at Calvary Cemetery at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation or Wounded Warriors Project.
The family is being served by Boardman-Smith Funeral Home, 800 South Grand Avenue West, Springfield, IL.
