Jerome "Jerry" Thompson, 87, died February 16, 2023 at his home in Huntley, IL.
Jerry was born December 14, 1935 in Chicago. He was raised by his mother Elizabeth Thompson.
After meeting Barbara Gels of Chicago outside a bar in Browns Lake, Wisconsin in the summer of 1962, he would later ask her on a date. It was a Chicago Blackhawks hockey game. They married January 16, 1965.
Jerry worked as Buyer and Director of Advertising for Cotter & Company, a member-owned supplier to True Value Hardware stores. For most of his 31 years at Cotter, he was based at the company’s headquarters on Clybourn Avenue in Chicago. Tasked with making deals that brought lawn and garden supplies to the marketplace, Jerry acquired unique knowledge on the subject. The small front yard in front of the family’s Arlington Heights, IL home at the time always had the greenest, best-looking lawn on the block as a result.
Jerry was a devout Catholic and active participant in a group that celebrated the rosary. After his wife Barb retired in 2001, the couple moved to the Sun City community in Huntley in 2002 and joined St. Mary Catholic Church.
Jerry was a long-time member of the Knights of Columbus. He enjoyed his time with the Sun City Woodchucks and the Anglers Fishing Club. Jerry was an ardent supporter of all Chicago sports teams, especially the Cubs, Blackhawks and the DePaul University men’s basketball team. He liked all types of food but took a special interest in sardines, pickled herring, hot peppers and horseradish. He ordered hot dogs with “everything.” With an early-to-rise regimen, Jerry could always be counted on to start a pot of coffee for those who woke up after him. During his job days, he enjoyed going out to lunch with co-workers and salespeople. Among his favorite spots was Heidelberger Fass on Lincoln Avenue.
No doubt the greatest joy in his life came while spending time with family, especially his grandchildren.
Jerry is survived by his wife of 58 years, Barbara Thompson - and three sons, John Thompson, Timothy (Frances) Thompson, and Christopher Thompson. He is also survived by four grandchildren: Samuel, Ella, Erin and Thomas. Jerry leaves behind his brother Phillip (Janet) Thompson, sisters-in-law Eileen Thompson, Linda Gels, Cindy Succa, Lois Gels and brother-in-law Dick Succa. Also surviving are Julia Thompson and 13 nieces and nephews scattered across the country.
Jerry was preceded in death by his mother Elizabeth and brother Edward.
Visitation will be held Thursday, February 23, 2023, from 4 PM to 7 PM at DeFiore Funeral Home, 10763 Dundee Road, Huntley, IL.
A funeral mass is scheduled for 1030 AM Friday, February 24, 2023 at St. Thomas of Villanova Catholic Church, 1201 Anderson Drive, Palatine, Il. The family will welcome all at the church starting at 9 AM. (A link to a webcast of the mass can be found here) https://youtube.com/live/KCMNfjZXTjc?feature=share
Instead of flowers, a donation in Jerry’s name can be made to either of his favorite organizations. St. Baldrick’s is a group that supports research of child cancer.https://www.stbaldricks.org/participants/mypage/1116548/2023 Or – Bellarmine Jesuit Retreat House in Barrington.
https://www.jesuitretreat.org/
Contact the funeral home at 847-515-8772 for questions about any details of the arrangements. Online condolences can be offered at www.defiorfuneral.com .
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Jerry you were the shining star in the sky your smile will be missed.
So sorry for your loss of your loving husband & father. We will all miss Jerry’s friendship, wit, and sense of humor. We cherish the many memories we have of him. Love & Prayers
Dear Thompson Family, We enjoyed all are times with Jerry. He was always happy and shared his time and talents with everyone. You knew he adored his Wife and Sons and Grandkids. His gift of humor and generosity will truly be missed by our Family! God Bless Jerry ,a very kind Man.
My sincere sorrow for the loss of a great friend of mine for many years…. Jerry was instrumental for me to purchase a Webber grille fm his co COTTER CO. Every time I start up my Webber grille here in Naples, I plan to offer a special prayer for his wife Barbara and his three sons that their future will be blessed fully
I knew Jerry at True Value. I worked with Stan Anderson and my brother Jack. We all thought the world of Jerry. He was one of the nicest and most professional people we had the opportunity to work with. It was always so enjoyable to go to lunch or dinner with Jerry. He will be missed. My sincere sympathy to his wife and family. Jim Reed
Growing up in Arlington Heights was a great place to grow up with caring, loving families. The Thompson Family is one of those great families and I'm grateful to know them. Although it's been a while since I've seen Mr. and Mrs. Thompson, their caring and kindness is always close to my heart from childhood and for that I am grateful. I was fortunate enough to recently reconnect with my childhood friend Tim Thompson and it was as if no time had passed, that's the case with good friends and good people and that is what the Thompson Family is to me. The Falato Family is sad to see our friend leave us but better off for knowing such a great father and man. He will be missed but his amazing legacy will be carried on by his sons. May He rest in peace and God hold his family close in this difficult time and always. God Bless.
My condolences to the family. Thoughts and prayers go with you in the days ahead. Great memory’s from the race car building days
Jerry, thank you for showing us that a man can be gentle and courteous and still be a winner.
Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. Ron and Doris
We will miss Jerry's smile and friendly presence in the wood shop. Our thoughts are with you, Barb, and your family.
So sorry for your loss of your loving husband & father. We will all miss Jerry’s friendship, wit, and sense of humor. We cherish the many memories we have of him. Love & Prayers
What an honor to have known him and be welcomed in the lovely cabin to create memories for our families. A gracious kind man that was a dream grandfather and example of kindness and sincerity. So sorry for your loss.
Dear Thompson Family, We enjoyed all are times with Jerry. He was always happy and shared his time and talents with everyone. You knew he adored his Wife and Sons and Grandkids. His gift of humor and generosity will truly be missed by our Family! God Bless Jerry ,a very kind Man.
many a great, healthy, wonder-filled moments, times with jerome & barb from food to st.jeromes =to msgr. Eugene Mulchahey, a true gifted arch. priest, who witnessed the knot being tied under the goodness of the Christ who loved them and made the marriage , a blessing to others ,including yours truly,who was honored to sit and bless alongside them spooling pasta at maggianas in woodfield at their 50th. what a treat, and jerry picked up tab, i guess, knowing 'full well, that i am Sox (white that is), "enemies" becoming friends, via Imaging big time M.E. and true to form barb with the magical Cake , laced with rum.. prayers as you celebrate the tears, and joys of a life well lived.. alleluia ! and AMEN ! cordially in the Risen ONE, ray a yadron
I had the honor of meeting Jerry at many Thompson grandkids celebrations and could see was a thoughtful and kind man he was. It was clear how much his family adored him. I know he will be greatly missed. So sorry for your loss.
What an honor to have known him and be welcomed in the lovely cabin to create memories for our families. A gracious kind man that was a dream grandfather and example of kindness and sincerity. So sorry for your loss.
What an honor to have known him and be welcomed in the lovely cabin to create memories for our families. A gracious kind man that was a dream grandfather and example of kindness and sincerity. So sorry for your loss.
I had the honor of meeting Jerry at many Thompson grandkids celebrations and could see was a thoughtful and kind man he was. It was clear how much his family adored him. I know he will be greatly missed. So sorry for your loss.
I had the honor of meeting Jerry at many Thompson grandkids celebrations and could see was a thoughtful and kind man he was. It was clear how much his family adored him. I know he will be greatly missed. So sorry for your loss.
We first met Jerry Thompson and his family in the early 1970s, shortly after our family moved into the Greenbrier subdivision in Arlington Heights. From the start he struck us as one of the kindest and happiest men we'd ever met. While he was a seriously good listener, he was most of all joyful. He and Barb had (and have) a beautiful family and Jerry knew he was blessed. He cared way more for others than himself and lit up rooms when he smiled. God loves to have guys like Jerry in Heaven with Him.
The Thompson Family has always held a special place in our hearts. Beginning with Morgan's early career at Cotter and having Jerry as a boss was special since he was such a good role model both in business and as a family man of integrity and spiritual beliefs. Our personal relationship evolved throughout the years and has been steadfast ever since. Remembering our travels together brings many happy smiles and recollections, too many to mention. A fond remembrance of Jerry from Trudi is that he always called me by my "real" first name (Waltraud) but never pronounced it right!! I always LOVED that he made an attempt at it and actually remembered it and it made me smile every time. Jerry was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and friend and we will miss him terribly. Rest in Peace our Friend, Love Morgan & Trudi
Barbara, such a shock. Have just read of Jerry's passing. Lovely thoughts are with you.