Gerald Frank “Jerry” Adams, 80 of Viola, Illinois, passed away Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at his home surrounded by his wife, Susie, and children, Julie Weckel and Mark Adams. Visitation will be from 3 to 8 p.m., Sunday, June 22, at the Dennison Funeral Home, Viola. Funeral will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, June 23, also at the Dennison Funeral Home. Burial will follow immediately at the Viola Cemetery, where he will be accorded military rites. The Viola United Methodist Church will host a luncheon after the burial. Memorial contributions may be left to the Viola Fire Department. Online condolences may be left at www.dennisonfuneralhome.com.
Jerry was born on September 27, 1944, at Galesburg Cottage Hospital to Frank and Jessie Adams. He graduated from Alexis High School in 1962. Upon graduating, he worked for IMC Fertilizer and Cecil Miller Trucking. Jerry was drafted into the US Army in 1965 and was stationed in Fort Eustis, Virginia, and then was transferred to Frankfurt, Germany, where he served until 1967.
Following his military service, he held various jobs and became an independent truck driver. He worked for DeKalb hauling seed corn, and then as a commercial truck driver for various companies over the span of many decades. In his later years, he worked hauling fertilizer for local companies CPS and Nutrien.
Jerry married Susan Decker in 1970 and had two children, Julie (Weckel) and Mark Adams. Jerry enjoyed traveling and was able to visit a number of European countries while serving in the army including France, Italy, and the Netherlands. Jerry and Susie were also avid travelers, and in his lifetime, Jerry was able to visit every state in the continental US and Hawaii. He loved spending time with his family and took them on several vacations, sometimes in his semi-truck.
Jerry loved entertaining people and annually dressed as the Easter Bunny riding a bicycle throughout town. He collected musical, animated Christmas hats. He enjoyed casinos and visiting Las Vegas, motorsport racing with his grandsons, fishing, hunting, and attending his grandchildren’s sporting events and concerts. He was a regular member of Alexis and Viola coffee groups. He served as a volunteer Viola firefighter for many years, was a member of the American Legion and the president of the Viola Jaycees.
Jerry lived for his family and cherished each moment with his wife, children, and four grandchildren. He is survived by his wife, Susan; daughter, Julie (Jamie) Weckel; son, Mark (Sarah Goff) Adams; and four grandchildren.