Gerald Leonard Durham (88) of Genoa, lovingly known as Jerry to his family and friends, passed away on September 25, 2025, at Northwestern Medicine Kishwaukee Hospital. Diagnosed in 2020 with leukemia and pulmonary fibrosis, his body finally succumbed to a brief battle with sepsis pneumonia.

Born on March 9, 1937, he was the fifteenth of sixteen children born to Christopher and Lottie (Brown) Durham. Jerry was the last of his siblings to be called home, completing a remarkable family legacy.

From an early age, Jerry had a strong sense of responsibility and resourcefulness. He earned money wherever he could—picking up and selling cans, bottles, corn cobs, and coal, shoveling snow, and delivering newspapers. By sixth grade, he had started raising rabbits to sell. He also worked alongside his father in the family's tree-trimming business. These experiences shaped his lifelong commitment to hard work and ingenuity.
At the age of 17, while still a senior in high school, Jerry joined the U.S. Navy. After training at Great Lakes Naval Station, he served three years aboard the aircraft carrier USS Lake Champlain spending 6-8 months in the Mediterranean Sea.

On May 14, 1960, Jerry married the love of his life, Bernice Genette (Odom), and together they built a marriage of 65 years filled with love, laughter, and devotion. Bernice said she would "keep him" as long as he made her laugh…Jerry had a great sense of humor and a quick wit. They were blessed with two children, Jeannie (Darrell) Jontz and Jack Durham, who were the pride of his life.

Jerry worked hard throughout his life, and was an excellent provider for his family. Following his time in the Navy, he began building "National Homes" for E.M. Kelly then joined Anaconda Wire & Cable, starting as a forklift driver before rising to supervisor. Later he worked at Automatic Electric, building switchboards and advancing to lead man. He eventually became the owner and manager of a Marathon gas station, where he also worked as an auto mechanic. This was one of his favorite jobs because Jeannie and Jack worked alongside him. After closing his gas station, he could often be found selling sweet corn, watermelon, and cantaloupe on the corner of Main and Sycamore Streets in Genoa with his father-in-law, Lester Odom. In his later years, he drove trucks for Hintzsche Fertilizer as seasonal work which allowed him to pursue his passion for fur trapping in the off-season. After giving up his driver's license due to macular degeneration in 2018, he rode his four-wheeler in the ditches all over DeKalb, Boone, and McHenry Counties picking up aluminum cans and all sorts of other treasures. It's estimated he picked up over a quarter of a million cans! You may have even spotted him on his four-wheeler around Genoa as he rode into town for gas or groceries.
Beyond work, Jerry enjoyed life's simple pleasures. He was an excellent bowler, played the harmonica, and was extremely competitive in darts, ping pong, pool, and cribbage. He seldom ever refused a challenge! He also loved hunting and cooking small game. Sunday dinners were often unpredictable…Jerry fried rabbit, squirrel or pheasant, and roasted beaver or raccoon. He would also cook some of the best fried chicken you've ever tasted for those who weren't quite so adventurous. He was quite a story teller and loved telling jokes.

He is survived by his wife Bernice; his children Jeannie (Darrell) Jontz and Jack Durham; his grandchildren Allison (Geovon) Boisvenue, Joseph (Lisa) Durham, and Nicole Durham; and his great-grandchildren Luna, Beau, Noah, and Viktoria; many nieces and nephews; and his faithful four-legged friend, Cooper. He is also lovingly remembered by his step-grandchildren Karl, JoAnne, and Derek Jontz, Jacob and Joey Dumser, as well as step-great-grandson Landen Hillner. He was preceded in death by his granddaughter Natalie Jontz in 2005.

Jerry will be remembered for his tireless work ethic, his quiet strength, and his devotion to his family. His life was a testament to humility, perseverance, and love, and he leaves behind a legacy that will be carried on by all who knew and loved him

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Visitation will be on Friday, October 3, 2025, from 11:00am - 1:00pm with a service to honor Jerry's life beginning at 1:00pm at Slater-Butala Funeral Home, 132 W Main St, Genoa. Burial at Genoa Cemetery. A luncheon will follow the graveside service at the Genoa VFW, 311 S Washington St, Genoa.

To send the family a card or memorial, please address to Slater-Butala Funeral Home, 132 W Main St, Genoa, IL 60135. To sign the online guest book, go to www.butalafuneralhomes.com