Jerry Obituary (1939 - 2022) - Bloomington, Illinois

Gerald L. Purkey passed away on Monday, August 15th, 2022 at Carle Hospital in Normal. There will be a graveside service for Jerry in Evergreen Cemetery, Bloomington, on Thursday, August 25th at 10:00 am. Jerry was born April 10, 1939 in Fairbury, Illinois to Alfred and Alice (nee Adams) Purkey. He was one of seven children, including Neil, Paul, Jenny, Lois, Ruth and Richard. He grew up in Forrest, Illinois, graduating from Forrest-Strawn-Wing High in 1957. He worked in landscaping for a time and worked in a local ice cream shop before moving to Bloomington in December, 1968. He was hired almost immediately by Mennonite Hospital in downtown Bloomington. He worked there until its merger with Brokaw Hospital in Normal and worked at Bromenn until his retirement, after 40 years of service, in 2009. He married Stephanie Bailey of rural Bloomington on September 12, 1971 and was her rock and companion until her death in November, 2021. Jerry and Stephanie likely logged thousands of miles on foot throughout Bloomington/Normal through the years. No matter the weather, Jerry could be seen accompanying the "coupon lady" in virtually every part of town, no matter how far from their home. Jerry was a 54-year member of Wesley United Methodist Church in Bloomington. There he helped in the kitchen, whether it was to prepare or serve a meal being served in Wesley Hall or to clean up after a Wednesday at Wesley meal before heading upstairs to choir. Music was a big part of Jerry's life and he loved to make a joyful noise unto his Lord!!! He memorized his favorite hymns as a youth and sang them throughout his entire life. When Stephanie became his wife, he learned her favorites hymns as well, singing them to her every single night at their home. When Stephanie was moved to a local nursing home, he would walk or take the bus and sing them to her there. When he could no longer join her due to COVID, he would phone the nursing home where they would put the phone to her ear and he would sing to her. Nobody in the Wesley UMC Chancel Choir needed to wonder on Sunday mornings which color stole to wear with their robe, because Jerry was already seated in the bass section for rehearsal, in his choir robe, wearing the proper liturgical color of the day. He was a faithful member of the choir for over 30 years and his lack of filter and endearing sense of humor will be missed. Next to his wife and his church, his biggest love was Chicago sports. His radio headset was always tuned to a ballgame as he went about town and he could give you a play by play and the final score of a game two weeks ago for his beloved Chicago Cubs and Bears! His sports memory was impeccable and we will all miss his recaps! Jerry Purkey was a faithful servant of God and was an inspiration to many without ever realizing it. Memorials may be made in Memory of Jerry to Wesley United Methodist Church, at 502 East Front St. Bloomington, Illinois 61701