Obituary: Gerald “Jerry” Davidson

Obituary published and funeral arrangements entrusted to the care and direction of the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home and Crematory

Gerald “Jerry” Davidson

Gerald Davidson, age 76, of Minooka, passed away Friday, July 28, 2023, at home on the family farm, surrounded by family.

He was born in Joliet, Illinois on July 12, 1947, to the late Ruth (nee Arnold) and William Davidson. Jerry was raised on the farm and spent his whole life there. Over the years Jerry raised dairy and beef cattle and farmed grain. His love of the farm was only surpassed by his devotion to his family, friends, and the community of Minooka. He and Lorraine stood ready and willing to volunteer, coordinate, chair and participate in so many worthwhile causes throughout their lives.

Surviving are his daughters, Marcia Davidson and Kathleen (Brian) Kaplan; three grandchildren, Avery, Maisy, and Liam Kaplan; brother, Donald (Sig) Davidson; mother-in-law, Helen Furto; two sisters-in-law, Louise, and Diane Furto; three brothers-in-law, James (Peg), Ronald, and Dennis Furto. Numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins also survive.

He is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 52 years, Lorraine A. Davidson (nee Furto); his parents, William and Ruth Davidson; brothers, Jim and Billy Davidson; sister-in-law, Stephanie Davidson (nee Mann); nephew, Marc Davidson; father-in-law, Thomas Furto; and brother-in-law, Albert Furto.

Jerry was the past President and a founder of the Will County Farm Bureau Foundation, a past President and active member of the Minooka Lions Club where he received honors of Volunteer of the Year and the Melvin Jones Award which he was very proud of. He chaired the Minooka Summerfest Finance Committee and always supported Minooka Fire Department and CASA to name a few. His love for baseball and his generous heart brought hundreds together every summer for his annual trip to a Kane County Cougars baseball game to share his love of the sport with many.

He enjoyed fishing, being a Chicago Cubs fan and most of all, spending time with his grandkids.

Visitation for Gerald “Jerry” Davidson will be Monday, July 31, 2023, from 4 – 7 p.m., at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Road, Joliet. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, August 1, 2023, at Village Christian Church, 8965 S. Bell Rd., Minooka where all friends and relatives can gather from 9:30 a.m. until services begin at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow in Seward Mound Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorials in Jerry’s name can be made to the Will County Farm Bureau Foundation, Minooka Lions Club, or Village Christian Church.

For more information please call the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home at 815-741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at http://www.fredcdames.com where you can share a favorite memory or leave an online condolence.

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