Gerald "Jerry" Guy Stocks

Gerald “Jerry” Guy Stocks

August 5, 1942 – October 18, 2026

Gerald “Jerry” Guy Stocks, 84, passed away peacefully on October 18, 2026, surrounded by his loved ones.

Born on August 5, 1942, in Freeport, Illinois, Jerry was the son of Guy Ambrose Stocks and Isabelle (Ruthe) Stocks. He graduated from Freeport High School in 1960 and attended Northern Illinois University. From 1961 to 1964, he served in the Illinois Army National Guard as a member of Company B, 1st Battalion, 129th Infantry Regiment.

Jerry began his professional career in retail at the historic F. A. Read department store in downtown Freeport, which later became part of the Bergner-Weise department store organization. His leadership, business acumen, and refined sense of style led to a successful career in store management, with positions in Freeport, Sterling, and Rockford, Illinois. Always impeccably dressed, Jerry had a natural appreciation for clothing and presentation. His entrepreneurial spirit and strong ties to his hometown eventually inspired him to establish Jered’s men’s clothing stores in Freeport and Rockford.

After his years as a business owner, Jerry began a second successful career as a Certified Financial Planner. For many years, he helped individuals and families plan for their financial futures. His ability to listen attentively, understand each client’s goals, and offer thoughtful, practical guidance was central to his approach.

A strong advocate for education and community service, Jerry served on the Freeport Public School Board, including as its president. He was also an active member of the Freeport Rotary Club and served as its president from 1998 to 1999. A gifted public speaker, Jerry enjoyed connecting with people and sharing his humor, including his memorable “Jerry Jokes.”

Jerry had a lifelong appreciation for the arts. He enjoyed performing in local community theater productions and found particular joy in music, singing in choral groups and church choirs throughout his life. He was also an avid reader who enjoyed learning about a wide range of subjects.

Jerry spent much of his life in Freeport, where he and his first wife, Dianne Boyer Stocks, raised their two children, Joelle and Robb. He later made his home in New Glarus, Wisconsin, where he shared many years of marriage with his wife, Antonina, and became part of her large, loving family. Jerry had a deep love for animals, and together they enjoyed caring for horses and spending time outdoors. Working with horses brought him particular joy and became an important part of his life.

Those who knew Jerry will remember a man who could command a room with a story, bring laughter with a well-timed “Jerry Joke,” and never stop finding something new to learn. A loyal friend, husband, and father, Jerry will be remembered for his warmth, generosity, unmistakable sense of style, and genuine interest in others. He left a lasting impression on the many lives he touched.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Antonina Stocks of Belleville, Wisconsin; his children, Joelle (Lawrence) Dunnwald of San Clemente, California, and Robb Stocks (Teresa Morris) of Chandler, Arizona; his stepdaughters, Ashley Frye (Pigo) of Green Bay, Wisconsin, and Kelly Frye of Fort Worth, Texas; and his cherished grandchildren, Logan, Alyse, and Jacob Dunnwald of San Clemente, California.

He is also survived by his brother, David (Glenda) Stocks of Lena, Illinois; his nephew, Jim Luedeking of Freeport, Illinois; his sister-in-law, Sue (Larry) Wipperfurth of Belleville, Wisconsin; his brother-in-law, Taras (Lori) Nahirniak of Oconomowoc, Wisconsin; his sister-in-law, Nadya (Chris) Nahirniak-Hanson of Madison, Wisconsin; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Guy Ambrose and Isabelle Stocks; his sister, Jean (Wesley) Luedeking; and his stepson-in-law, Eric Pigo.

Visitation and funeral services will be held at Burke Tubbs Funeral Home, 504 S. Walnut Avenue, Freeport, Illinois, on November 7, 2026, at 2 p.m. A celebration of life will follow at Lena Brewing Company in Lena, Illinois.

In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established for https://t2t.org/ Tunnel to Towers in Jerry's memory.