Obituary of Gerald Herbst

Gerald R. Herbst "Jerry" Age 80. Passed away suddenly at his home on Tuesday, January 6, 2015. Jerry was a devoted and loving husband, father and grandfather. He is cherished deeply by his family and friends. He was blessed with the gift of life with a liver transplant that he received on February 6, 1992 from his donor, Diane at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. Organ donation was very important to Jerry and the entire family supports organ donation. Jerry and Jean advocated organ donation by speaking at the Illinois Driver's License Bureau, libraries and other events. Born in Joliet, Jerry was a lifelong resident. A graduate of St. John Grade School, Joliet Catholic High School Class of 1952 and received his Masters Degree in Business from National Lewis University. He served in the U.S. Army from 1956-58 and retired from Sherwin Williams in 1994 after 42 years. Jerry was an active member of St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Crest Hill. He loved the game of golf and he took pride in the appearance of his house and yard. Truly a man of integrity and honor. Preceded by his parents, Aloyis and Marie (Welter) Herbst; brother, Robert Herbst (1929) and numerous aunts and uncles. Survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Jean (Juricic) Herbst of Joliet; three children, Fr. Robert Herbst, OFM Conv of Oakland, CA, Rita (Herbst) Bottomley of Joliet and Renee Herbst of Shorewood; one grandchild, Elaine Bottomley of Joliet; his sister-in-law, Joyce (late Richard) Korst of Joliet as well as numerous cousins. Funeral Services for Gerald R. Herbst will be Wednesday, January 14, 2015 at 9:15 a.m. from the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black at Essington Rds., Joliet to St. Ambrose Catholic Church for Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. Interment Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials in his name to Gift of Hope Organ & Tissue Donor Network, Attn: Gwendolyn Blakemore, 425 Spring Lake Drive, Itasca, IL 60143 (www.giftofhope.org) or Mayo Clinic, Department of Development, 200 First St. SW, Rochester, MN 55905 (www.mayoclinic.org/giving-to-mayo-clinic) or Masses would be appreciated. Visitation Tuesday, 3-8 p.m. at the funeral home. For information: 815-741-5500