Obituary of Gerald Linich

Gerald J. Linich, Sr. "Jerry" Age 69. Tuesday, January 6, 2015 at Presence Saint Joseph Medical Center. Graduated from St. Dennis Grade School and Lockport Central High School, Class of 1963. A member of the Lockport High School "Music Man Marching Band". Attended Joliet Jr. College. Joined the Army in 1965. Graduated from the Naval School of Music in Norfolk, VA. Served in Vietnam for one year, 1966-1967 with the 4th Infantry Division, first ones into Pleiku to set up base camp. In between patrols and fighting, he and other musicians went to other base camps to entertain the troops. He also set up a movie theater for those at his camp to help relax and take their minds off the war. Upon his return from Vietnam, he was stationed with the 1st U.S. Army 50th Army Band at Fort Monroe, Virginia. He attained the rank of SP5-E5. He was awarded the Good Conduct medal, National Defense Service medal, Vietnam Service medal with two bronze service stars, Republic of Vietnam Campaign medal with one DEV 60. Music was always a great part of his life. A true musician who played and taught trombone, played piano, composed and did music arrangements. For over 20 years, he had a 5-piece combo called "The Unlimited Sound". He and his father started up the "Bill Gerald Orchestra". Jerry was the director, played trombone and did music arrangements. The orchestra had 15-18 members. He and his father did this for over 20 years. They played throughout the Chicago area. Employed with E.J. & E. Railroad in Joliet for over 16 years as the steel car shop supervisor; the Cathedral of St. Raymond in Joliet for five years as the supervisor of maintenance during their renovation; Presence Villa Franciscan for over 14 years as activity specialist with the Alzheimer's residents - truly devoted to all of them. Survived by his wife of more than 47 years, Judy (nee Knutson); one son, Gerald Jr. (Karen) of Aurora, IL; one granddaughter, Elizabeth (Ellie), also of Aurora; one sister-in-law, Linda Linich of Lockport, IL; one niece, Heather (Jonathan) Mayer of Villa Park, IL; nephews, Ryan Linich of Chicago and Daniel Linich of Los Lunas, NM; one great-niece, Megan Gonzalez of Los Lunas, NM; aunt Gloria Devea of Joliet; one brother, Dwayne Linich; and numerous cousins, friends and fraternal brothers of the K of C also survive. Jerry was a Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus, Rev. Gordon Michels Council #12014, Joliet, IL. Preceded by his parents, William and Josephine Linich; brother David Linich, in-laws, Frank and Bessie Knutson; brother-in-law, Thomas Knutson Sr.; niece, Lisa Gonzalez; and grandparents, aunts, uncle and cousins. Funeral Services for Gerald J. Linich, Sr. will be Tuesday, January 13, 2015 at 9:15 a.m. from the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black at Essington Rds., Joliet to St. Paul the Apostle 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 St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, Presence Hospice, 799 S. McLean, Elgin, IL 60123 or to the family would be appreciated. Visitation Monday, 4-8 p.m. at the funeral home. For information: 815-741-5500 or visit his Book of Memories at www.fredcdames.com