Gerald R. "Jerry" Underhill

OTTAWA - Gerald R. "Jerry" Underhill, age 68, of Ottawa, passed away at 5:15 p.m. Wednesday, April 14, 2010 at the Ottawa Pavilion. Visitation will be from Noon till 2:00 p.m. Saturday at the Shrine of Rest Chapel at Oakwood Memorial Park. Services will follow at 2:00 p.m. at the chapel with Monsignor R. J. Boyle officiating. Cremation rites will be accorded with interment of cremains in Oakwood Memorial Park at a later date. Gladfelter Funeral Home is handling arrangements. Mr. Underhill was born March 10, 1942 at Morris, IL, a son of Robert and Edna (Miesen) Underhill. He married Mary Ann Kurtenbach on November 26, 1960. She preceded him in death August 31, 1980. He later married JoAnn Fox on October 3, 1981. Survivors include his wife of 29 years, JoAnn; three sons, John Underhill of Rockford, Robert (Lynn) Underhill of Seneca and Ronald Underhill of Ottawa; two step-sons, Phil McMichael and Jeff (Sue) McMichael of Marseilles. He is also survived by a sister, Margaret (William) Balestri of LaSalle and a brother, Patrick (Patricia) Underhill of Lombard; nine grandchildren, three step-grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Jerry grew up in St. Patrick's Church in Seneca and was a member of St. Francis Church in Ottawa. He had been employed at Wedron Silica Sand for 36 years and Ottawa Regional Hospital for 5 years. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. He was a founder of St. Francis Grade School Basketball program where he coached for 11 years and also coached summer baseball. He was a former member of the Ottawa Knights of Columbus and Moose Lodge. Memorial contributions may be directed to the family.