Gerald D. Clankie

Gerald D. "Jerry" Clankie, 58, Durand, died at 11:25 p.m. Thursday, June 16, 2011 in his home after a courageous battle with cancer. Born January 22, 1953 in Rockford, son of LeRoy H. and Reva A. Rathbun Clankie. Graduated from Hononegah High School in 1971 and married Charmaine L. "Sherry" Fell in Rockton on August 25, 1973. Jerry's job was very important to him and he was a proud employee of Joseph Behr & Sons for 40 years, presently being a shop foreman. He loved his horses, going on trail rides and being around the campfire. He was a member of Trail Riding Clubs. His horse, Dillon, will miss him and all of their special times together. Many area people will fondly remember Jerry for the years of doing the wagon rides at Williams Tree Farm. He was a big tease who always loved having coffee with everyone. Jerry had a heart of gold who loved his family above all else. Survivors include his wife, Sherry; daughter, Anne Clankie French; son, T.J. (Tari) Clankie; grandchildren, Kendra, Ashley and Kyle "Little Man"; mother, Reva Clankie; sister, Betty (Lenny) Hada; brothers, Bobby (Mary) Clankie, Curtis (Bridget) Clankie, David Clankie and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his father; brother, Mike (Jill) Clankie and mother- and father-in-law, Richard (Beverly) Fell.A celebration of Jerry's life will be at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 23, 2011 in Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Riverside Chapel, 3910 N. Rockton Ave. with Pastor Corey Williams officiating. Family burial in Shirland Cemetery. Visitation from 4-8 p.m. on Wednesday and at 10 a.m. until time of the service on Thursday. Memorials may be made to the family. Express condolences and share memories at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.