Gerald "Jerry" LeRoy Diehl, 88, of Freeport, Illinois, passed away peacefully at home on March 29, 2026, surrounded by family and friends. He was born on April 8, 1937, in Freeport, Illinois, to Harold and Nellie Diehl. Jerry graduated from Lanark High School in 1956.

Jerry was a man admired and respected by many. He genuinely enjoyed people and was always quick to lend a hand – a reflection of his generous spirit and deep care for others. Known for his many skills and sharp mind, Jerry was a natural problem solver who worked hard throughout his life and was rarely without a project.

He dedicated 41 years of his career as a tool and die maker at Honeywell (Micro Switch), where he worked from 1956 until his retirement in 1997. His strong work ethic and craftsmanship were hallmarks of both his professional and personal life.

On November 4, 1956, Jerry married Patricia Ann Paul of Freeport. Together, they built a life centered on family, raising five children and sharing many years working side by side as clerks for Al Van Loh Auctioneering.

Jerry and Pat instilled in their family a love for the outdoors. The Diehl family created lasting memories through the summer and winter camping trips. Summers were spent water skiing, sailing, and swimming, while winters brought snowmobiling adventures along logging trails they also explored on motorbikes in warmer months. Jerry and Pat were members and officers of the Forreston/German Valley Snowmobile Club.

A devoted father, Jerry, took great pride in mentoring his son, Michael, in motorcross and dirt bike racing. His passion for building extended beyond his career--he personally built both a sailboat and a speedboat for his family.

Jerry is survived by his daughters, DeAnn (Frank) Phillips of South Sioux City, Nebraska, Susanne (Mark) Parker of Sycamore, Illinois; Bonnie Weber of Rockford, Illinois, and Penny (Daniel) Schindler of Baraboo, Wisconsin, as well as seven grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Nellie Diehl; two infant sisters, Marilyn and Muriel; his brother, Alan Diehl; his son, Michael Diehl; grandsons, Jason Phillips and Jeffrey Ebert; granddaughter, Samantha Parker; and his beloved wife, Patricia.

Jerry will be remembered for his kindness, his willingness to help others, his strong work ethic, and the deep love he had for his family and community.

A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, April 8, at 12:00 noon at Oakland Cemetery, 2619 W. Pearl City Road, Freeport, Illinois. In the event of inclement weather, the service will be held at the Oakland Chapel.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, April 12, at 1:00 p.m. at the Eagles Club, 1200 W. Galena Avenue, Freeport, Illinois.

A special thank you to the FHN Hospice team, along with family and friends, who devoted themselves to his care.