Jerome “Jerry” E. Middeke, Sr., age 91, of Aviston, Illinois, passed away on Thursday, August 6, 2026, in Ponte Vedra, Florida. He was born on March 20, 1935, in Aviston, the son of the late Bernard and Mary (nee Hellmann) Middeke.
On September 10, 1956, he married Helen (nee Heimann) Middeke at St. Francis Catholic Church in Aviston; she survives him in Ponte Vedra, Florida.
He is also survived by his children, Jerome Middeke, Jr. and Leah Middeke; his grandchildren, Gennifer (Andrew) Stanley, Paul (Jasmine) Stanley, and Chelsea (Kurt) Kudrecki; his great-granddaughter, Magnolia Kudrecki; his brother, Sylvester (Mary) Middeke; his sisters-in-law, Helen Middeke and Bernadette Middeke; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family members, friends, and beloved employees Rosanne Wellen and Dennis Strubhart.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his infant daughter, Margaret Mary; and his brothers, Albert Middeke and Rafael Middeke.
A native and longtime resident of Clinton County, Jerry graduated from Aviston High School, class of 1953, and attended Southern Illinois University in Carbondale. From there he built an entrepreneurial career defined by grit. Jerry was known for his extraordinary work ethic and versatile spirit. Over the years, he worked as a farmer, builder, contractor, oilman, salesman, and manufacturer. He was the founder and operating officer of Farm Feeds Construction and Aviston Concrete Products for over 50 years. In every undertaking, Jerry was truly outstanding in his many fields. He took pride in helping shape the local community, serving for over 20 years on the Clinton County Zoning Board of Appeals. He believed in a long day’s work and continued his endeavors well past traditional retirement age.
Faith, community, and quiet generosity were central to his life. Jerry was a devoted member of St. Francis Catholic Church and a long-standing member of the Knights of Columbus. He lived his belief quietly and consistently through the steady, everyday practice of showing up for his church and the people around him.
Jerry was known for his quick mind, sharp sense of humor, and storytelling throughout his entire life. He enjoyed traveling to new places, including a trip with Helen to visit the ancestral Middeke family farm in Germany. He was always ready for a game of rummy and cherished time spent with his family. Much like the trees he admired and spent his life planting, Jerry’s roots ran deep and the legacy he leaves behind will stand tall for generations.
Services will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers or other gifts, memorial donations may be made to St. Francis Catholic Church or a charity of the donor’s choice. Memorials will be received by mail at Moss Funeral Home, 535 N. 5th Street, Breese, IL 62230, which is serving the family.
Expressions of sympathy can be sent to the family at www.mossfuneralhome.com.
