Gerald L Stork

GERALD L. STORK , 90 , of Sparta, Illinois, went peacefully to be with his Lord Jesus Christ on Monday, February 22, 2016.  After celebrating his 90th birthday surrounded by over 80 family members and friends, he joined his wife and son in Heaven.

He was born to the late Lawrence and Hazel (nee Heinz) Stork on January 30, 1926 in Walsh, Illinois.

He married the love of his life, Cecilia E. Pautler on October 25, 1947 in Evansville, Illinois, and he and "Babe" as he affectionately called her, had celebrated 65 beautiful years of marriage. She preceded him in death on August 5, 2013.

Gerald very proudly served his country as a Corporal in the United States Army and was a veteran of World War II.

I n addition to farming, Gerald worked over 30 years at Scott Air Force Base, retiring as Production Controller. After retirement, Gerald worked as a security guard at Spartan Printing and as a laborer for Superior Custom Builders and Ron's Construction.

Gerald was a devout member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Sparta, IL; a member of the American Legion Riders Post #396 in Sparta, IL and the Randolph County Farm Bureau.

Gerald was an amazing father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Everything he did, he did for his family as they were his top priority. He loved to garden and took pride in providing for his family with wonderful vegetables throughout the years. Gerald shared a love of Allis Chalmers tractors with his sons and enjoyed discussing farming with family and friends. But above all else, Gerald considered providing for his family his greatest accomplishment.

Gerald was survived by his 10 Children - Dennis (Lindaann) Stork of Sparta, IL, Elaine (Fred) Fitzpatrick of Waterloo, IL, David (Mary Beth) Stork of New Lenox, IL, Ronald (Joan) Stork of Sparta, IL, Carol (John) Heizer of Jackson, MO, Joyce (Ralph) Schulein of Sparta, IL, Larry (Brenda) Stork of Sparta, IL, Joni (Chuck) Mraz of Morehead, KY, Jeanie (Ron) Nagrodski of Johnston City, IL and Marie Davis (Paul Grohmann) of Waterloo, IL.

He was the proud grandfather of  - Peter (Emily) Stork, Kelly (Brian) Bode, Kris (fiancé Tim DeWald) Brower, Jayne (Doug) Gum, Dawn (Brett) Ivers, Jackie Stork, David Stork, Laura (Kevin) Terry, Katie (fiancé Jackie Smith) Stork, Becky (Jason) Kempfer, Angie (Eric) Stiegemeyer, Jeremy (Jen) Heizer, Jessica (Rich) Soderlund, Tim (Andrea) Schulein, Nick (Mindy) Stork, Rachel (Tyler) Nowell, Chris (Lais) Stork, Zachary Stork, Elizabeth (Kevin) Hamm, Megan (Kyle) Mann, Ashley (Derek) Solomon,  Kelsie (Dylan Lawrence) Nagrodski, Brittany (Andrew) Phillips, Kendra Davis, Trevor Davis and Maddie Davis.

Gerald also cherished his 35 Great-Grandchildren: Eleanor Stork; Hayley & Hayden Bode; Keegan (Allie), Korbin, Olivia, Ezekiel, Isaiah and Elijah Brower; Natalie, Norah and Nichole Gum; Jackson & Rylee Ivers; Audrey & Patrick Terry; Adelaide & Lenora Kempfer, Aidan, Owen , Gavin & Louise Stiegemeyer; Liam & Xander Heizer; Jacob, Kaitlyn & Luke Soderlund; Tyler & Evan Schulein; Emma , Jack & Ella Stork; Layla & Luke Nowell; Emma Hamm and expecting a new great-granddaughter Harper Nichole any day.

Other survivors include - his 2 sisters: Dorothy (Harold) Braun of Evansville, IL and Maggie (Merl) Liefer of New Athens, IL and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Besides his wife, he was preceded in death by one son, Our Precious Angel in Heaven, Roger Joseph Stork. He was also preceded in death by his brothers, Ralph, Vernon, and George.

The family would like to thank Dad's wonderful caregivers, Kayla Jeffers, Mason "The Boss" Lively, Joanna Lively, Tiffany Lively, Chelsea Presswood, and Donna Howard. We would like to thank them for the unbelievable kindness, love, and care that they shown to Dad. They will always be considered a part of our family.  We also would like to thank Dad's special neighbors, Brad and Patty Cash. Gerald considered you more than just neighbors, he considered you family.

Funeral Mass:      10:00 am, Monday, February 29, 2016

Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, Sparta, Illinois

Officiating:           Father Ben Stern

Interment:           St. Pius Catholic Cemetery in Walsh, Illinois

Visitation:            Sunday – 3:30 pm – 8:00 pm

Monday – 9:00 am – 9:45 am

Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, Sparta, Illinois

Memorials:           Masses

Cardinal Glennon Children Hospital, St. Louis, Missouri

Family Choice