Gerald F. Leary

Gerald "Jerry" F. Leary, 89, of Freeport, passed away, Monday November 9, 2026, at Serenity Estates (Stephenson Nursing Center) Freeport. Jerry was born on February 24, 1937, in Freeport, the son of Lloyd and Ruth (Woessner) Leary. Jerry grew up on the family farm with his brother, Wally. He went to school in Shannon and was a 1954 graduate. Jerry married Patricia Evers on July 12, 1958, at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Freeport.

Mr. Leary loved to fish and he loved the land, you might see him driving around just to see what others had got done (or not done) in the field - a habit his son has learned to do also. He would look forward to his annual fishing trip to Canada with his buddies and many family trips across the United States.

Jerry was a member of the Freeport Elks Lodge, Pheasants Forever Club, Iron Union, and he proudly served his county in the US Army.

Jerry was a farmer and a steward of the soil. He also worked for Beloit Pipe and Civil Constructors.

Surviving are his son, Jay (Kathleen) Leary; two granddaughters, Ashley Leary and Shannon (Rodney) Pritchett; grandson, Nathan (Layla) Atherton; six great-grandchildren, Noah (MacKenzie Kavanaugh) Haring, Owen (Lexi Cox) Haring, Seth Pritchett, Will Pritchett, Dylan and Danika Atherton; niece, LeAnne Leary Offill; nephew, David (Kathy) Leary; and a former daughter-in-law, Debbie Hahn.

Mr. Leary was preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd and Ruth Leary; wife, Patricia (Evers) Leary mother and father-in-law, Lowell and Ruth (Williams) Evers; son, Ty Leary; brother, Wallace Leary; sister-in-law, Shirley Leary; great-grandson, Lathan Atherton; and great-great grandson, Theodore Haring.

Service dates and times are pending. They will be post in the near future.