Gerald "Jerry" S. Hollis, Jr.

Gerald "Jerry" S. Hollis, Jr., 89, of Loves Park, passed away on Sunday, February 18, 2018.  Born on June 16, 1928 in New London, Connecticut to Gerald and Roberta (Hall) Hollis, Sr.  Jerry served in the U.S. Navy, was an Eagle Scout, Shriner and a 32nd Degree Mason.  He was a lifelong salesman for, and retired from, Kelly Springfield Tire Co. and also worked in the Illinois Public Aid Office from 1985 to 1993.  He married Elizabeth "Betty" Lockwood Hollis on July 23, 1949. 

He is survived by his children, Elizabeth "Betsy" (John) Carbaugh, Susan (Brad) Pearson, David (Carol) Hollis, Nancy (Danny) Tessendorf, Virginia "Ginny" (Will) Fowle, John (Liz) Hollis, Steven (Bev) Hollis, Jim (Kelly) Hollis and Karl (Kathy) Canavesi; 21 grandchildren; 9 (and one on the way) great-grandchildren; dear friend, Debbie Hancock; and faithful companion, his dog Bear.  

Predeceased by wife, Betty Hollis on May 24, 1983; granddaughter, Kathryn "Katie" Hollis on July 28, 1995; and life partner, Josephine "Josie" Canavesi on December 24, 2015.

Memorial Service will be at 11:00am on Friday, February 23, 2018 in Grace Episcopal Church, 10 South Cherry Avenue, Freeport, IL 61032.  Burial in Oakland Cemetery, 2619 W. Pearl City Road, Freeport.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Gerald "Jerry" S. Hollis, Jr., please visit our floral store.