Jerry D. Friend Sr.

Jerry D. Friend Sr., 71, of La Salle passed away July 31, 2022 at UnityPoint Methodist Hospital in Peoria.

Cremation rites have been accorded. The Hurst Funeral Home in La Salle is assisting the family with arrangements.

Jerry was born in Pennsylvania on August 11, 1950 to Thomas and Charlotte (Fordyce) Friend. A major accomplishment in his life was enlisting with the US Marines and being a Vietnam veteran. For 20 over years, he was married to Barbara Ann Comport with whom he had two sons. He found his soulmate Bonnie Morris in Florida in 1998 and spent most of his life with her. Together they moved to Illinois in 2000.  Jerry, along with Bonnie, enjoyed searching and collecting antiques found at local shops. Jerry worked in maintenance at hospitals on the boiler systems. He was known as a pistol and a good man. He loved Barbara, Bonnie, and his children.

Jerry is survived by his sons Jerry Friend Jr. of Bradenton, FL and Frank Anthony (Jessica) Friend of Orlando, FL; Destin Morris and Oriel Morris; his grandchildren Kaya Maddix Morris, Madison Elaine Friend, and Nina Caprice Friend; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his life partner Bonnie Morris Friend on May 17, 2022; and his siblings Johnny Friend, Dale Friend, Eugene Friend, and Dolores Carque.

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