Gerald H. "Jerry" Waller

Gerald "Jerry" H. Waller, 71, of Lively Grove, IL, born Aug. 9, 1946 in Lively Grove, IL, died Monday, Mar. 5, 2018 at his home.

Jerry was a lifelong self-employed farmer who loved raising cattle. He also worked at Nascote Industries in Nashville, IL from 1988-2008.  Jerry was a veteran of the Vietnam War, serving as a Sergeant, where he earned several medals including the Combat Infantry Badge, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, two Overseas Bars, Bronze Star Medal, Air Medal and Good Conduct Medal.  He served in Vietnam in 1968 and 1969 in the Bravo Company of the 4th Battalion 9th Infantry Manchus as a machine gunner.  He was a part of both the Attack at Mole City and Deadly Thanksgiving at the Black Virgin Mountain battles.  Jerry stayed in close contact with many of his fellow Manchus, often hosting small get-togethers at his house on the farm and always attending their annual reunion.  Those friendships meant the world to Jerry, also affectionately referred to as "Abner" by his fellow Manchus.

Jerry was a life member of the VFW Post 6865 in Coulterville, IL, and the American Legion Post 683 in St. Libory, IL.  He was a lifelong member of St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Lively Grove, IL.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Marie, nee Hoff, Waller; brother, Kenneth Waller; brother-in-law, David Weber; and nephew, Mark Wienstroer.

Jerry is the beloved father of Mandi (Brian) Huelsmann of O'Fallon, IL,  Marci (Don) Coryell of New Braunfels, TX, and Melissa (Brent) Frederking of Lively Grove, IL; devoted grandfather of Drew Ferguson, Jack Huelsmann, Abby Huelsmann, Dylan Coryell, Myra Coryell, and Bryndle Frederking; three sisters, Marilyn (Art) Wienstroer, Donna Weber, and Paula Waller; three brothers, David Waller, Glenn (Donna) Waller, and George Waller all of Lively Grove, IL; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be made to Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8517. Condolences can be sent to the family by visiting mollfuneralhome.com.

Visitation: Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 8:00 pm Thursday, Mar. 8, 2018 and from 9:30 to 10:30 am Friday, Mar. 9, 2018 at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Lively Grove, IL.

Funeral: A funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 am Friday, March 9, 2018 at St. Anthony's Catholic Church with Father Tadeus “Tad” Gegotek officiating.  Burial will be held at St. Anthony's Catholic Cemetery, Lively Grove, IL.