Jerry Myrick, Keeper of Orland History, Dies At 83

ORLAND PARK, IL -- Jerry Myrick, the keeper of Orland Park’s history, passed away on April 24. Myrick was the former long-time president of the Orland Historical Society. He was 83.

John Gerald “Jerry” Myrick was born on Nov. 1, 1934. Myrick worked as a wood craftsman and pattern maker until his retirement. He is a fourth generation resident of the area and a descendent of Orland Park’s earliest setters, Ichabod and William Myrick -- his great grandfather -- who immigrated to the area from Canada in 1839. The brothers purchased farmland in the Orland area in 1841, becoming the third and fourth property owners in the village. When Orland Township formed in 1850. Ichabod and William added elected officials to their farming duties.

>>> Resident considers his past and future (Chicago Tribune, May 21, 2003)

In an interview with the Chicago Tribune in 2003, Myrick explained how his grandfather, Russell, William’s son, lost the farm during the Great Depression. Russell Myrick purchased a home in 1937 at 14334 Raneys Lane in Orland Park. Myrick bought the family home in 1972 from his father, Raymond, who never actually lived in the Raneys house. The house was left to Raymond by his sister, Clara, Jerry’s aunt. After Myrick moved into the house, he found letters, handbills and other old family records left by Aunt Clara, an unmarried school teacher with a passion for history.

"I feel the generation coming behind me is so busy with both parents working ... they just don't seem to have the time to record history," Myrick said.

The find sparked Myrick’s interest in researching his family genealogy, which is also the history of Orland Park. Coupled with his father’s earlier involvement in the Orland Historical Society, Myrick went on serve as president and preservationist of Orland Park’s history. When Myrick’s first wife, Nancy, passed away, Jerry sold the house that had been in his family for 66 years. He was about to remarry and move into a retirement community. In a 2003 profile, Myrick told the Chicago Tribune:

"I just had to make up my mind that I'm going on with my life," he said. "It's one of those things where you don't want to move, but you have to go on with your life. You only live once. Maybe that's how my grandfather felt when he left the farm.”

Myrick was the beloved husband of Pauline Schreiber-Myrick and the late Nancy Chase Myrick, the devoted father of Sheree Myrick Ziemba, the cherished grandfather of Rachel and Andrew Ziemba. He was also the loving brother of Doral (Bob) Steinberg. Family and friends will gather Saturday, April 28, from 1 p.m. followed by a 3 p.m. service at the Faith United Methodist Church, 151st Street and 80th Avenue, Orland Park. In lieu of flowers donations to the Salvation Army or The Center, 12700 Southwest Highway, Palos Park appreciated. Arrangements entrusted to Schmaedeke Funeral Home. For information 708-448-6000 or www.schmaedekefuneralhome.com