Gerald "Jerry" K. Stone

Gerald "Jerry" Keith Stone, 84, of Witt, IL, formerly of Freeburg, IL, passed away on Saturday, March 4, 2023 surrounded by his loving family. He was born on July 14, 1938 in Detroit, MI to Harry and Edith (nee Witt) Stone.

Jerry was a devout man, well known for his strong faith and coming to the aid of those who needed it.

Jerry joined the United States Air Force when he was only 17. He worked for the United States government at Defense Mapping Agency Aerospace Center for many years and at SAFB for a couple years as well. After retiring from the military, he volunteered his time doing free tax services for the elderly.

He loved his family dearly and enjoyed attending his grandkid’s sporting events. He was a talented banjo and guitar player, he sang in the church with his wife, Wilma, and he was known to dress up as Santa Claus for Christmas. He enjoyed golfing and attending bluegrass festivals yearly. Jerry was a dedicated, dependable, charitable, and loving man that will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife of 61 years, Wilma Joy (nee Woodcock) Stone, whom he married on October 17, 1958; and his brother, Douglas Stone.

Surviving to cherish his memory are two sons, Keith "Tony" Anthony (Kimberly) Stone and Kirt Alan (Julie) Stone; a daughter, Kim Anita (Mel) Woodruff; eight grandchildren, Melissa (Joshua) Cruise, Elizabeth (Cody) Ogden, Matthew Stone, Jeffrey (Maryann) Stone, Logan Stone, Lucas Stone, Michael (Elizabeth) Otten, and Brittney (Dann) Berkel; twelve great-grandchildren; a brother, Dr. Thomas “Joe College” (Arlene) Stone; cousin, Janice (Jerry) Ried, dear friend and caregiver, John Cappello; beloved dog, PePe; plus countless friends and extended family.

Visitation: Friends may visit from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM on Saturday, March 11, 2023, at Valhalla Gaerdner Holten Funeral Home, Belleville, IL.

Funeral: Funeral services will be held at 12:30 PM on Saturday, March 11, 2023, at Valhalla Gaerdner Holten Funeral Home, Belleville, IL, with Rev. Jeffrey Stone and Pastor Michael Otten officiating. Interment to follow at Valhalla Gardens of Memory, Belleville, IL.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Promedica Hospice, or to the American Cancer Society.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared with the Stone family at www.ValhallaGardensandFuneralHome.com.