Jerry A. Lair

Jerry A. Lair, age 87, of Rio, Illinois passed away at 12:13 p.m. Saturday, October 1, 2022 at the OSF St. Mary Medical Center in Galesburg, Illinois.

Jerry was born August 17, 1935 in Alexis, Illinois, the son of Ellis and Adda Boostrom Lair. He graduated from Alexis High School in 1953.  Jerry was a U.S. Army veteran having served in Germany. He married Virginia Lee Guldenzopf on August 25, 1961 in Woodhull, Illinois. She passed away October 18, 2021.

Jerry was employed as a switchman with the Rock Island Railroad. He was a member of the Rio Presbyterian Church. Jerry enjoyed woodworking and gardening.  

He is survived by his children, Lorie (and Michael) Larsen of Galesburg, Jeff (and Tracy) Lair of Galesburg; grandchildren, Ryan (and Tiffany) Lair, Tyler Lair, Brittany (and Seth) Johnson, Emily (and Dustin) Tucker, Ellen Larsen, Jacob Logan (and Laken); great-grandchildren, Alister Johnson, Isabelle Johnson, Emmett Lair, Garrett Lair, Drake Lair, Colt Logan; one daughter-in-law, Jennifer Lair of St. Cloud, Florida; many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; one son, Timothy Lair; one brother, Danny Lair and one sister, Barbara Brown.

A memorial service will be held Thursday, October 6, 2022 at 11:00 A.M. at the Rio Presbyterian Church. Rev. Maura McGrath Nagle will be officiating. Memorial contributions may be left to the Rio Presbyterian Church. Peterson-Wallin-Knox Funeral Home in Alpha, Illinois is handling the arrangements.