Gerald "Jerry" L. Bemis

Gerald "Jerry" L. Bemis, 85, of DeKalb, passed away peacefully Thursday morning following complications of Parkinson's disease after a recent fall.

Jerry was born in 1940 in DeKalb to Lester and Dorothy (Reingardt) Bemis. In 1960, he married his high school sweetheart, Sue Ward, beginning a loving partnership that spanned more than six decades.

Jerry was raised on the family farm where his parents and grandparents lived and worked. He farmed there throughout his life, raising his own family in the same homeplace. His son Steve joined him to work side by side running the family farm. Jerry found much joy watching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow up nearby.

From an early age, Jerry was active in 4-H and FFA, developing a lifelong love of agriculture and community. He also enjoyed sports throughout his life, especially basketball and softball, and treasured the many lifetime friendships formed through his teams and teammates.

Horses were an integral part of Jerry's life whether riding to town as a youth to see friends, herding cattle on the farms in Illinois and Wisconsin, or simply riding with family and friends for enjoyment.

Jerry was a man of few words but was known for his clever one-liners and dry wit that brought laughter to those around him. Jerry and Sue faithfully supported local schools and seldom missed the games, performances, and activities of their children and grandchildren. During the winter months, Jerry especially enjoyed time spent with family and friends in Siesta Key, Florida and later Gold Canyon, Arizona.

Though he never sought recognition, Jerry quietly gave much of himself in service to the community. He served with Conserv FS, the DeKalb County Farm Bureau, the Kishwaukee Health Systems Council, and the Kish Health System Board of Directors. In 1997, he was honored with the Prairie Farmer Illinois Master Farmer Award. He was a lifelong member of St. Mary's Church in DeKalb.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Sandra; and his in-laws, Norva and Olive Ward, Betty Ward, Tully and Pat Reid, and Jack Holloway.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Sue; his children, Julie Bemis, Steve (Jenny) Bemis, and Ron (Lorna) Bemis; his grandchildren, Emily Bemis, Courtney (Jake) Wright, Heather Bemis, Brooke (Patrick) Martelli, and Brett Bemis; step grandchildren, Cale Robinson, Autumn Cearlock, and Lauren Cearlock; his great-grandchildren, Noah and Shiloh Wright; his sister, Wanda Bierman; and his in-laws, Jay Ward, Jim (Pat) Ward, Sandi Holloway, and John (Deb) Ward.; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at Finch Funeral Home 310 Oak St. DeKalb.

The Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, April 23, 2026, at St. Mary's Church in DeKalb. Burial will follow at Afton Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Parkinson's Foundation or a charity of your choice.

For information, visit www.FinchFuneralHomeDeKalb.com or call 815-758-3841.