Gerald L. Knickerbocker

METAMORA?Gerald L. "Jerry" Knickerbocker, 75, passed away at 12:10 p.m., Saturday, October 27, 2012 at his home with his family at his side after a long struggle with ALS. Jerry was born on July 18, 1937 in Peoria to Harry and Jessie Veal Knickerbocker. He married Joyce Bayer in Washington on May 1, 1960. Joyce survives. Also surviving are three children, Steven Knickerbocker of Metamora, Gerald "Nick" Knickerbocker, Jr. and Stacy Knickerbocker-Strum, both of East Peoria; one sister, Margaret Worrick of Peoria; five grandchildren, Adam, Amanda, Nichole, Jesse and Jared and five great grandchildren, Blake, Taylor, Ian, Mariah and Jessa and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by several brothers and sisters. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy and had served on the U.S.S. Columbus from 1954 to 1957. Jerry had retired from Caterpillar where he had worked as a pipefitter in East Peoria for 27 years. Prior to Caterpillar he owned and operated Jerry?s Phillip 66 Station on the north end of Peoria and worked at several Peoria area bowling alley?s. Jerry cherished the time that he could spend with his family, especially enjoying the grandchildren. In his spare time he also enjoyed camping, boating, playing a round of golf and doing yard work. Funeral services for Jerry will be held on Friday, November 2, 2012 at 11 a.m. at Mason-White Funeral Home in Washington with burial following in Hillcrest Memory Gardens. Visitation will be on Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m. and one hour prior to services on Friday.