Jerry Wayne Gerstel, 80, of Oquawka, Illinois, died peacefully at home on Monday, March 23, 2026, at 11:50 p.m.
Jerry was born May 12, 1945, in Macomb, Illinois, the son of John C. and Lorris E. (Reynolds) Gerstel.
Jerry married Sandra Lee (Morris) McDermet on June 18, 2016, in Kirkwood, Illinois. Jerry is survived by his wife, Sandy of Oquawka; one son, Rick (Gina) Gerstel of Kirkwood, Illinois; one brother, Phillip Gerstel of Burlington, Iowa; one sister, Nancy Cook of Macomb, Illinois; seven grandchildren; and five great grandchildren. Jerry is also survived by three stepsons, Timmy Campbell of Abingdon, Illinois, Terry Campbell of Kansas, Oklahoma, and George B. Kilburn of Galesburg, Illinois; and one stepdaughter, Brenda Shores of Abingdon. Along with his p
arents and one daughter, Lisa Gerstel, in 1991.
Jerry owned and operated Jerry’s Body Shop in Abingdon for many years. He later worked for several years as head of maintenance at Gateway Healthcare in Burlington, Iowa. Jerry loved living near the Mississippi River and enjoyed boating as much as possible. He enjoyed restoring classic cars and having his family together where he could be the life of the party. He was a longtime fan of Elvis Presley and was known for his selfless nature. He would help anyone at any time.
Cremation will be accorded. A celebration of life will be announced at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Oquawka, Illinois. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.
