Gerald Phelan

Gerald M. Phelan

"Jerry"

Age 56 of rural Wilmington, passed away Wednesday November 14, 2007 at his home.

Born December 8, 1950, Jerry was a son of the late James A. and Mary Rita (Lawler) Phelan. He was a graduate of Providence Catholic High School with the Class of 1969 and proudly served his country as a medic in the US Army during the Vietnam War. Jerry was honorably discharged, having earned the National Defense Medal, Good Conduct Medal and Sharp Shooter Recognition. He then pursued his Nursing degree at Joliet Junior College where he graduated in 1974. Jerry worked as a Psych Registered Nurse for 18 years at Tinley Park Mental Health Center, while continuing to run his hog farm in the Symerton area.

Survivors include his three children: Michelle (Steve) Simotes of Rockdale, Carrie (Chris) McCaughn of Joliet and Keith Phelan of Wilmington. Five grandchildren who will dearly miss their grandpa: Shawn and Austin Simotes and Jonathan, Hayden and Shannon McCaughn. Three brothers: Bill (Georgia) Phelan and Dan (Lynne) Phelan, both of Wilmington and Ed (Judy) Phelan of Macomb; one sister Mary (Mike) Lappe of Chicago, numerous nieces and nephews, and one cousin Jim Lawler, as well as special friends: Mike Carlos and Dave Barton.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, wife Vicky Raine Hinich (1988) and special niece Theresa Osburn.

Visitation will be held on Sunday November 18, 2007 between the hours of 4:00PM and 8:00PM at Reeves Funeral Home, 219 North Joliet Street (two blocks North of Illinois Route 53 / Baltimore Street) in Wilmington. Funeral services will follow Monday November 19th at 10:00AM in Saint Patrick's Catholic Church in Wilton Center, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated with Rev. Gerald Schubert officiating.

Burial with full military honors will be in Mount Saint Patrick's Cemetery in Wilton Center and pallbearers will be Bill Phelan, Dan Phelan, Ed Phelan, Mike Carlos, Dave Barton and Shawn Simotes.

Friends may sign the online guestbook by logging onto: www.ReevesFuneral.com

Funeral services and arrangements are being made under the direction of Reeves Funeral Home in Wilmington. (815/476-7621)