Jerome "Jerry" Joel Panzer

Age 85, Jerome “Jerry” Joel Panzer of Wilmington, Illinois, and formerly of Summit, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 12, 2025.

Born February 10, 1940, in Oak Park, Illinois, Jerome was the son of Joseph R. and Frances (Haarbauer) Panzer. He was raised and educated in Summit Argo and proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam era (1963-1965).

Jerome dedicated 34 years of service to CPC International before retiring. An avid outdoorsman, he found joy in hunting and fishing, cherishing the peace and adventure they brought.

Survivors include his loving wife, Margaret “Peg” Panzer; three children: Joy (Alan) Schmit of Westchester, Illinois; Ginger (Russ) Diven of Hoffman Estates, Illinois; and Christie Panzer of Tennessee; and seven grandchildren: Blake Rivera, Audrey Soto, Dane Soto, Colson Schmit, Sam Schmit, Kyle Diven, and Margaret Schmit.

Jerome was preceded in death by his parents and his five brothers.

Per Jerome's wishes, cremation rites have been accorded.

Family and friends will assemble at Baskerville Funeral Home, 700 East Kahler Road, in Wilmington on Thursday, March 27, 2025 at 1:30 p.m. A funeral procession will depart at 2:00 p.m. for private ceremony at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, Illinois where Jerome will be laid to rest with full military honors.

Fierce protector and provider of his family, Jerome Panzer was the foundation upon which his family stood solid and rooted in this world. Putting family above all else, Jerome took care of everything, always, for his girls. Dad lived his life and instilled in us “family first.” This is especially evident in Dad’s selfless act of true love: for the past two years, he devoted his life to caring for our mother 24/7, putting her life and needs before his own.

A man of great integrity and strength, Jerome provided his children and grandchildren with the best example of what it means to be a man. He derived such joy from spending time with his grandchildren—fishing, exploring, playing, teaching, relaxing—loving them and loving hearing about them. An outdoorsman through and through, Jerome was deeply connected to God’s creation, the natural world. The eagle, the sandhill cranes, the cardinal, the ducks, the pheasants, the fish, the deer, the racoons, the prairie, the forest, the river … all can attest: the man was connected. Jerome placed great faith in nature, and he placed great faith in letting nature take its course.

A firm believer in keeping things simple, Dad would remind us to take “one thing at a time and go from there.” Dad was a man of conviction and a champion for what is right and true in this world. A straight shooter who would not tolerate any BS, Dad would call it out immediately, and set the record straight. And we’d go from there.

Jerome never wanted to see anything suffer; he possessed a deep and pure caring for the people and animals in his life. His beloved dog Ottawa and his cat Boomer are surely wagging and purring for him in Heaven. His devoted cat Max here on earth kept constant vigil for Dad, curling up next to him in Dad’s final days.

A proud United States Army Veteran, Jerome’s patriotism shone bright as he flew the glorious American flag in the front lawn of the loving homesteads he built. Dad also took great pride in serving on the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery Memorial squad; the Thursday squad, the Board, and the friendships forged there, always held a special place in Dad’s heart. Jerome lived his life with integrity, grace, honor, and goodness.

With Dad’s connectedness and passion for living a meaningful and enjoyable life, it is no surprise that he was an exceptional dancer, a natural. He and our mother were quite the pair on the dance floor, and the joy was contagious. One was lucky to dance with Dad; his fancy footwork uniquely his and a joy to behold – his attentiveness to his dance partner always apparent.

Jerome loved a good joke, and when you saw that twinkle in his eye, you knew the laughter and fun that would soon follow. Saying grace at holiday dinners always ended with Grandpa saying, “Rub-a-dub let’s eat this grub!” The best combination of deep connectedness and levity; of stoicism and humor; of passion and pragmatism, Dad is truly one for the ages. We are so very fortunate and blessed to have had him as our father, grandfather, leader, and friend. A true pioneer man, Jerome Panzer leaves a legacy of pure love, staunch integrity, everlasting commitment, and indomitable strength.

The Panzer family are blessed to have this giant of a man and his spirit with us always. And we his children and grandchildren are with him always, as well.

Thank you for everything, Dad. Godspeed.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Jerome's memory to Operation Smile Cleft Lip and Palate Organization.

Family and friends are encouraged to log onto www.BaskervilleFuneral.com to sign the online guest book.

Cremation services and memorial arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves, Fruland, and Baskerville Funeral Homes and Crematory (815-476-2181).