Henry "Jerry" Gerald Ford

Henry Gerald “Jerry” Ford left this earthly life and entered into his heavenly home Tuesday, April 13, 2021 at Heart of Mary Hospital in Urbana.  Jerry was born on Easter Sunday, March 24, 1940 in Danville, Illinois to George “Henry” and Dorothy Louise Henry Ford.

Jerry married the love of his life, Linda Joanne Drews, December 3, 1960.  From this marriage of over 60 years, there were three children:  Brian (Annette) Ford, Janis (Greg) Wetterich, and Mark (Wendi) Ford, and ten grandchildren: Katie Ford, Ellie Ford, Nate (Rebecca) Ford, Drew (McKenzie) Wetterich, Matthew Wetterich, Stacy Wetterich, Rebecca (Jackson) Dollar, Lukas Ford, Erik Ford, and Kuster Ford, and two great grandchildren – boy and girl twins due in July.  He is also survived by his brothers Kenneth (Carol) Ford and Wayne Ford, sister Alyce Marion, and sister-in-law Donna (Charlie) Crouch, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Jerry graduated from Danville High School in 1958 and Danville Junior College in 1960.  Jerry was employed by Lauhoff Grain Co./Bunge Corp. in the Control Laboratory for 38 years.  He later became a life and health insurance agent where he enjoyed meeting many people.

He was a long-time member of Trinity Lutheran Church, and a good and faithful servant.  He served as an elder and usher in his church for many years.  He also instilled a deep Christian faith in his children and grandchildren.  He was an avid hunter and fisherman, and loved tending to his fruit tree orchard, beekeeping, gardening, and growing orchids.  He enjoyed giving his orchid blooms to friends, family, and fellow parishioners.  For many years, Jerry loved camping and traveling with his family throughout the United States, especially visiting the National Parks.

Jerry deeply treasured his wife, children, and grandchildren, and enjoyed family time most of all.  He was the number one fan of his kids’ activities.  His conversations with his kids always ended in not just “Love you,” but “Love you all!”  A blessed reunion in Heaven is awaited by all of his loved ones.

There will be a visitation on Sunday, April 18, 2021 from 4:00pm to 7:00pm at Kruger-Coan-Pape Funeral Home, 10 E. Williams Street in Danville.  Service will be on Monday, April 19, 2021 at 2:00pm at Trinity Lutheran Church, 824 E. Main Street in Danville.  Current CDC and IDPH guidelines will be enforced regarding social distancing, masks, and allowable numbers. 

Memorials may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church. Messages and memories may be left on our website at www.KrugerCoanPape.com, or on the Kruger-Coan-Pape Funeral Home Facebook page.

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