Jerry Eldon Rich, 89, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on February 3, 2025 in Shiloh, Illinois.
On a frigid day on January 13, 1936, in Eichorn, Illinois, Jerry entered this world and made it a better place. Growing up, his thirst for knowledge knew no bounds. He often visited his local library and devoured his favorite history books, a pastime he enjoyed throughout his life.
Later, Jerry played basketball for Harrisburg High School where he graduated in 1954. After high school, he enlisted in the United States Army and was stationed in Germany. After his time in the service he returned home where he swept a young woman, Diana Cox, off her feet and married her.
They went on to have two children, Scott and Julie, and were married for 52 years living most of this time in Fairview Heights, Illinois. Jerry was hands down the best grandpa one could imagine and doted endlessly on his grandson, Ethan. He enveloped his grandson with as much love as possible and taught him what it was to be a great man. Family was at the foremost of his thoughts at all times and he never let us down.
Jerry was a motor fuel tax auditor for the State of Illinois until his retirement after 35 years. This was a career he thoroughly enjoyed and took him to all the local city and village halls in his district where his keen eyes would meticulously calculate keeping his mind fulfilled. He never met a stranger and could tell you the best little haunts to enjoy a meal in the area. While his wife stayed home to raise their daughter, Jerry took on a part time job at Central Hardware in Fairview Heights where he made lifelong friends.
Jerry was both an avid outdoorsman and had a strong appreciation for the Arts. Jerry was a Cub Scout and Boy Scout Leader. He, his friends, and especially his son, would often be found in a field with their bird dogs or in a tree stand vigilantly waiting for the “Big One” to appear. From archery to fishing to camping … Jerry did it all. It is believed that he owned seven Jeeps in his life, but there may have been an eighth one in there along the way. Many summer days were enjoyed by the entire family with our dad as the captain of his beloved Boston Whaler boat. Together, Jerry and Diana spent much of their time between their Fairview Heights home and the farm they owned in Galatia, Illinois.
He developed an early love of jazz but had many other favorites outside of that genre. For years, a weekly summer evening was spent at the Muny with his daughter or a memorable show at the Fox Theater. In later years, as a member of the Belleville German Band, he would play his baritone on the Muny grounds prior to showtime or march with them in local parades. He loved a good Western or action movie, salty snacks, and cold watermelon.
Perhaps the best part of Jerry Rich was his personality. He was honest, humble, and hard-working. He opened his home to family members who needed care. He had a dry quick wit, a free-spirit, and a memorable laugh.
One cannot think of Jerry and not think of his hunting dogs. Too many to mention, they all held a special place in his heart and brought him incredible joy.
Jerry is survived by his adoring family; son Scott (Libby) Rich of Fairview Heights, Illinois; daughter Julie Rich Carson of Shiloh, Illinois; and grandson, Ethan Carson, of Shiloh, Illinois, as well.
Jerry is preceded in death by his devoted wife, Diana (Cox) Rich; parents Charlie and Fannie Rich of Harrisburg, Illinois; step-father Roy Mings of Harrisburg, Illinois; eldest brother Robert (Mae Kuykendall) Rich of Ann Arbor, Michigan; second eldest brother, Donald (Nita) Rich, of Indianapolis, Indiana; and older sister, Doris (Tom) Matthews, of Seattle, Washington.
The family would like to thank those who showered our dad with compassion and care along his last journey. They include Memorial Care Center, BJC Hospice, and especially those at Addington Place.
Services will be held at Kassly Mortuary in Fairview Heights, Illinois, on Saturday, February 15. Visitation is from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. with a memorial service beginning at 12 p.m.
Private burial with military honors will take place at a later date in Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, Missouri.
In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer donations in Jerry’s memory to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, the Shawnee National Forest Plant-a-Tree Program, a place that brought him great joy his entire life, or the Honor Flight of Greater St. Louis.
