Jerry Roland Weibel, 86, of Biggsville, IL died at 10:45 pm, Tuesday, June 16th, 2026. He was residing with Mary Lynn, his wife of nearly 62 years, at the Beehive Memory Care in Oregon, WI with support from his loving daughter, Wendy Hale.
He was born May 8, 1940 in Beatrice, Nebraska to Roland Oscar and Zelma Mae (Prather) Weibel. Jerry shared the home with his 4 sisters. He primarily grew up in Champaign, Illinois as his father pursued a career in Agronomy at the University of Illinois. He grew up playing baseball and participating in Boy Scouts as he earned his Eagle Scout. He spent many summers with grandparents and Prather cousins in Nebraska on their family farm.
Jerry met Mary Lynn Watson while they were both students at the University of Illinois. Jerry went through the ROTC program as he gained his bachelor’s degree in agricultural engineering, and later gained his master’s degree, also in agricultural engineering. Jerry and Mary Lynn married on June 22, 1963.
As a United States Marine Corps Officer, he served two tours in Vietnam during the Vietnam War. Though he rarely spoke of his experiences, his military decorations reflected courage, sacrifice, and service under combat conditions. Among his honors were the Navy Commendation Medal with Combat “V,” Navy Achievement Medal with Combat “V,” Combat Action Ribbon, Presidential Unit Citation, and numerous campaign and unit awards.
With Mary Lynn’s support, and through many moves across the country, his children grew up and highlights of those years included motorcycling in the desert, canoeing in Georgia, and flying model airplanes while continuing a lifetime of scouting involvement.
He ultimately started his final and most loved lifestyle as a farmer in Henderson County, Illinois. He loved animals and typically was accompanied by a loyal farm dog. Many in the community will remember Jerry for his passion for draft horses and preserving the history of farming through founding the Horse and Buggy Museum and supporting the Heritage Days event. The artifacts of the Horse and Buggy Museum were donated to the Work Horse Barn in Eldon, IA.
Jerry is survived by his wife, Mary Lynn of Biggsville, IL; his children: William (Dana) Weibel of Iowa City, IA and Wendy (Dan) Hale of Oregon, WI. Five grandchildren: Ben (Kayla) of Waunakee, WI; Evan Hale of Oregon, WI; Ryan (Kary) Hale of Chilton, WI; Kelcy (Ethan) Sabers of Iowa City, IA and Mason (Jenny) Weibel of Iowa City, IA. He also has seven great grandchildren: Solomon, Eliza and Hannah Hale; Adalynn Hale; Quincy and Keegan Sabers, and Lydia Weibel. He is also survived by his four sisters: Virginia (Dale) Stierwalt of Tolono, IL; twin sister Judy Yockey of Shelbyville, IL; Joann (Jim) Moe of Bellevue, WA; and Cheryl (Dan) Modzelewski of Champaign, IL.
He is preceded in death by his parents, sister-in-law Linda Banks, and brothers-in-law, Chuck Banks and Jim Yockey.
He rekindled his faith throughout his later years and enjoyed friendships through the men’s bible study group of Rozetta Baptist church. Memorial donations may be sent to the Rozetta Baptist church.
Graveside Services, with Military Honors, will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, July 27, 2026 in the Reed Cemetery near Rozetta, IL. Family and friends are invited to gather at the Rozetta Baptist Church following the service. Banks & Beals Funeral Home of Stronghurst is assisting the family. Please visit banksandbeals.com to leave a condolence.
