Jerry D. Drake

Jerry D. Drake, 83, of Rockford, IL went peacefully home after a short battle with cancer Wednesday, March 4, 2020. He was born September 3, 1936 in Rockford, IL the son of Walter D. and Mary E. (McReynolds) Drake. Jerry attended East High School, class of 1954. He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force. He married the love of his life, Rita Peer on December 28, 1979. Jerry worked as a special service coordinator at Sundstrand Corporation. Upon leaving Sundstrand, he dedicated his time to cultivating his customer base into lifelong friends and eventually family. Anyone who ever met Jerry would know that he was not bashful, he even went as far as nominating himself, campaigning and winning the election for “Mayor” of his neighborhood! He was a train enthusiast and enjoyed fishing, cooking and gardening. Jerry was a loving husband, father and Pawpaw. He will forever be in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
Survived by his loving wife, Rita; children, Jeri Ann (David Kyles) Williams, Gabriel (Jessica) Peer-Drake, Thomas (Ashley) Drake, Lucas (Sarah) Drake, Elizabeth (Alex) Lopez and Eric Drake; 20 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren; sister, Carol Hill; numerous nieces and nephews and close friends. Predeceased by his parents, Walter and Mary; in-laws, John and Marion Peer. The family would like to thank the doctors at Mayo Clinic and St. Mary’s Hospital, Heartland Hospice and special nurse, Heather Reese, of Swedish American Hospital CCU.
Funeral Service will be at 12:00 p.m. Saturday, March 14, 2020 at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Rd. Rockford, IL 61108. Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Friday, March 13, 2020 at the funeral home and again from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. Saturday, March 14, 2020. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family for a cause to be determined. Share online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.