Jerald S. Thompson

"Jerry"

Age 76 of Morris, Illinois, died Thursday, July 30, 2026 at his home.

Born April 1, 1950 in Morris, Jerald Steven was a son of Alden and Alice Thompson. He was raised in Morris and graduated from Morris Community High School with the Class of 1968. On September 5, 1970, Jerry married Virginia "Ginny" Wolfe at Assumption Catholic Church in Coal City, Illinois.

He was a hardworking man and great provider for his family. Jerry learned the importance of putting in a hard day's work. He started working on the family farm at an early age, while also working at Echo Lanes in Morris during High School. Jerry worked alongside his father for most of his adult life, while also holding several other jobs, including Varland's Implement and Newark Truck and Tractor as a mechanic. Anything that had a motor was meant for Jerry. It wasn’t only trucks and tractors, but the classic cars he owned as a young man were his treasures.

He took a step back from farming in 2003 when he joined the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 150, until he happily retired in 2016. It was then that he felt the call back to the fields and helped out at his brother-in-law and sister at Kleinmaier Farms. Outside of his career, Jerry was a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Morris and served as the Saratoga Township Road Commissioner for 13 years. He loved maintaining his homestead set on 6 acres in rural Morris, keeping up with the mowing and chores gave him a great sense of pride. Jerry devoted himself to his family, always striving to be the best husband, dad, and papa to those he loved. His legacy of hard work, service, and devotion to family will be missed but cherished by those he loved.

Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Ginny (Wolfe) Thompson; two children: Jeff (Kerry) Thompson and Michelle (Steve) Johnson; three grandchildren: Austin and Haley Johnson, and Patricia Thompson; two brothers: Tom (Ella) Thompson and John (Vicky) Thompson, and one sister, Becky (Jerry) Kleinmaier, all of Morris; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Alden and Alice Thompson.

The family will receive friends at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 202 West Jefferson Street, in Morris on Tuesday, August 4, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at 12:00 p.m. Reverend Patrick Lohse will officiate, and burial will follow at West Lisbon Cemetery.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Jerry's memory to: Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 202 West Jefferson Street, Morris, Illinois 60450 or Lightways Hospice, 250 Water Stone Circle, Joliet, Illinois 60431.

Family and friends are encouraged to log onto www.FrulandFuneral.com to sign the guest book, upload photographs and share Jerry's memorial page online through social media.

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves, Fruland & Baskerville Funeral Homes and Crematory. (815-942-0700)