MENDOTA - Gerald “Jerry” Donahue, 72, of Mendota died Oct. 16, 2018 at St. Francis Medical Center, Peoria.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 22 at Merritt Funeral Home, Mendota with Rev. Susan Presley officiating. Visitation will be from 2-4 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 21 at the funeral home.

Jerry was born Aug. 9, 1946 in Mendota to Leslie M. and Alice (Guilfoyle) Donahue. He married Ellen Vickrey on June 15, 1968 at St. Mary’s Church, West Brooklyn.

Survivors include his wife of Mendota; one daughter, Missy (Brad) Watson of Brighton; one son, Jason (Jennifer) Donahue of Mendota; seven grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; one brother, Dr. Joe (Jan) Donahue of Peru; two sisters, Cathy Donahue of Tarpon Springs, Fla. and Pat Donahue of Rockford; and one sister-in-law, Sandee Donahue.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Michael.

Jerry was a 1964 graduate of Mendota High School. He joined the Chicago Pipefitters Local 597 in 1970 and devoted 48 years to the union. He spent many weekends traveling to his daughter’s house to help install the plumbing at her home. He spent five years as the athletic director for Holy Cross Grade School, Mendota and he also volunteered as a Little League baseball coach for four years. He was a member of Mendota Elks Lodge 1212 for 39 years. He enjoyed woodworking and made beautiful bookcases, doll houses, baby beds and other wood crafts with beautiful detail. He was devoted to his wife of 50 years, his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He will be remembered as a wonderful husband, father, neighbor and friend.

Memorials may be directed to Illinois Valley Public Action to Deliver Shelter (IVPADS).