Obituaries

JEROME G. BLOCK

Easter Lily      Jerome ‘Jerry’ G. Block, 86, Burlington, died May 8, 2015, at Arbor View surrounded by his family.

He was born Oct. 8, 1928, in Burlington, to the late Hieron and Hildegarde (Weinman) Block. He grew up on the family farm near Honey Lake with his parents and four sisters.

He attended St. Charles Grade School and graduated from St. Mary’s High School in 1947 where he was a top boxer. He proudly served in the U.S. Army from 1952-1954 during the Korean War with the 1st Calvary and was stationed in Japan.

On July 12, 1952, he married Mary McCarthy. Following marriage they made their home in Burlington where they raised their family of six children.

He worked for the Burlington Drayage Company, Railway Express Agency, Burlington Post Office, part time at Ace Hardware, and after retirement as a courier at First Banking Center.

He was a lifetime member of St. Charles Church where he served as an usher. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, and a firefighter for the City of Burlington Fire Department Hose Company #1 for 30 years. He and Mary had wonderful and fun times with the firemen and their spouses.

Jerry loved hunting and fishing with his sons, relatives and friends – enjoying trips up north to ‘The McCarthy Cabin,’ Hickory Lake with his sons and grandsons, Iowa pheasant hunting, fishing in Canada, and biking and canoeing with Mary. Jerry’s passions were the outdoors and fitness, primarily running and biking. He participated in several Flat Foot 5 Races, area fun runs, skied the full Birkebeiner Cross Country Ski Race in Hayward, participated in many Heat Stroke 100 Bike Races, and 100 Mile Rides in Solvang, Calif. After retirement he rode his bike across the United States. He cherished time with family and friends.   He was a very loving, gentle, kind, caring person and the first to lend a helping hand. May he continue his ride on angel’s wings.

Survivors include his wife; children, Tim (Vicki) Block, Bridget Hinchliffe, Greg ‘Hans’ (Marita) Block, Mike (Peggy) Block, Kelly Block, and Jeff (Joan) Block; grandchildren, Angela Block, Holly (Brad) Eckola, Wesley Block, Matt (Erica) Block, Tim Block, and Joe (fiancée Rachel) Block; great-grandchildren, Layker Block and Faith Eckola.

Ride Jerry Ride, Ride Dad Ride, Ride Grandpa Ride, Ride Great-Grandpa Ride.

He is also survived by his sisters, Betty Jo Pihringer, Gardie Martin, Marge Chesher, Ellie Ketterhagen; in-laws, Theresa McCarthy, Dick and Kathy McCarthy, Bill and Honey McCarthy, Tom McCarthy, Mike McCarthy, Edna and Wenzel Smetana; many nieces, nephews and other relatives.

He was further preceded in death by his father–in-law and mother-in-law, John E. ‘Hans’ and Virginia McCarthy; brothers–in-law, Bob Uhen, Dick Ketterhagen, Lee Martin, Charlie Pihringer, Tom Chesher and John R. (Hans) McCarthy; sister-in-law, Mary (Kerkman) McCarthy; nephew, Steven Smetana.

Our Love and God’s Speed on your final Ride – “Highway to Heaven.”

A special Thank You to Allay Hospice, especially Bethany and Stephanie, for their loving, compassionate care and concerns for both Jerry and Mary. Also, many thanks to all the special caregivers who tended to Jerry during his stay at Arbor View Memory Care due to his Alzheimer’s Disease.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday, May 12, at 11 a.m., at St. Charles Church in Burlington with the Rev. Yamid Blanco presiding. Visitation with family and friends is Monday, May 11, 4-7 p.m., at Schuette-Daniels Funeral Home, 625 Browns Lake Drive, Burlington.

In lieu of flowers, memorials have been suggested to St. Charles Church or St. Charles School.

Well-wishers can visit www.danielsfamilyfuneral.com.

One Comment

  1. So Sorry for loss. He was a great man. My condolences to you all. God bless
    Pam Lightfield