Lake Forest Obituary: Jerry Shields, 80

Gerald Shields, 80, of Lake Forest, Illinois, died on Wednesday, August 9, 2017 after a long battle with dementia. Jerry is survived by his wife of 53 years, Linda (Bosselli) Shields, daughter Kristen DeNoble and son Craig(Amy). He was the loving Poppy of Emma and Scott DeNoble. He is also survived by his brother, Forrest(Ruth), his brother-in-law John “Butch” Bosselli(Marsha), as well as loving nieces, nephews and cousins.

Jerry was born and raised on the North Side of Chicago. He received his undergraduate degree from North Park College and MBA from Roosevelt University.

Jerry was chairman emeritus of Graymills Corporation, a manufacturing company he and Linda owned and a mentor to many.

Jerry held board positions, including chairman, of the Northern Illinois Business Association. He was also president of the board of the North Business and Industrial Council and a member of the Chicago Economic Development Commission and Mayor Daley’s Chicago Workforce Board.

The Flexographic Technical Association was Jerry’s true professional passion. He was chairman of the Foundation of the Flexographic Technical Association and his proudest moment was being inducted into the “Flexo Hall of Fame” in 1990.

Jerry cherished his 43 years as a Lake Forest resident. He was involved in many civic activities, including the City of Lake Forest Shoreline Restoration Committee, and he loved taking visitors to the Lake Forest Beach to see the fruits of the committee’s labors.

The family will receive friends on Monday, Aug. 14, 2017 from 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Church, 950 W. Everett Rd., with funeral mass celebrated at 11:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a scholarship fund that's been established in Jerry’s name for students studying the field of flexography.

» via Wenben Funeral Home