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Gerald "Jerry" Allan Barr, 76, of Moline passed away on Saturday, December 2, 2023, at the Orlando Health Dr. P. Phillips Hospital in Orlando, Florida.
Jerry was born on July 3, 1947, in Moline, Illinois, the son of Kenneth P. and Betty J. Wilkinson Barr. He graduated from Moline High School in 1965. He went on to join the Sheet Metal Workers Local 91. He married Mary Driscoll in 1967 and shared two daughters, Jennifer, and Jeannette. He later married Ellen Anderson on September 27, 1980, and shared two sons Jeremy and Jake.
Jerry was employed for over 51 years with the Sheet Metal Workers Local 91 out of Rock Island. He retired in 2005 from Schebler Company in Bettendorf. He was a former member of both First Evangelical Free Church and Heritage Wesleyan Church. Jerry had a love and passion for all sports. He loved attending and cheering for Moline High School and the Fighting Illini. He was an avid fan of all Chicago sports teams including the Bears, Cubs, Blackhawks, and the Bulls. Since retirement, he loved traveling and above all, Jerry cherished his time with his family especially his 6 grandchildren. The family would like to extend our many thanks to the amazing team at Orlando Health. We know he is free of pain and rejoicing in Heaven with his parents and siblings. He will forever be in our hearts.
Survivors include his wife of 43 years, Ellen; children; Jennifer (Eric) Ekstam of Coal Valley, Jeannette (Jon) Smith of Geneseo, Jeremy (Rebecca) Barr of Moline and Jacob Barr of Moline; 6 grandchildren; Evan Ekstam, Andrew Ekstam, Jillian Smith, Josie Smith, Carly Barr and Macy Barr; brother, Terry (Jill) Barr.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Sharon Rogerson and Perry Barr. https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/jerry-barr-obituary?id=53772324
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Linda L. Beardslee (Van Landuyt)
Rest in Peace Jerry!
Mike Shipley
Jerry and I had ocasional contact after graduation, but mostly through track related activities and my dad. However, a little over a year ago we fell into video chats on messenger on an almost weekly basis. I had forgotten about his planned family trip to Disney World and had tried to do one of our video chats while he was down there. I missed his call back, but he wrote me a Thanksgiving message. Jerry had been fighting a variety of health issues and tried any modality that he thought might improve his qualty of life and extend his time with his family, who I could tell was a great motivation to keep fighting the good fight. Just like the races he ran, he never gave up. He vicariously enjoyed my horses and I thinkmy horse stories kept him entertained. I won't ever hear myvideo call alert now without first remembering Jerry Barr. My sincere condolences to his wife, children and grandchildren. Your husband, dad, and grandpa was a good man.Linda Swanson (Nygaard)
Oh dear. Jerry was one of my first crushes. Always a warm spot in my heart for him. It was good to see him on FB the last few years. Hugs of comfort to his family. RIP dear Jerry.
Jean Conkle (Knox)
So very heart breaking to lose another classmate! Hope we have reunions in Heaven for MHS CLASS '65! Rest in Peace Jerry! Deepest condolences and prayers to Jerry's family.
Judy Pieper (Wyatt)
This just makes me sad. Peace and comfort to his family.
Linda Nurse (Ekstam)
I did not know Jerry in high school but in 1997 we became 'extended family' when his eldest daughter, Jennifer, married my eldest son, Eric. Since then, we spent many fun family events together. He will be missed
Jeffrey Johnson
One of my best memories of Jerry is playing football (with pads) down in Morgan Park. Jerry, the fastest runner, went out for a long pass and gathered it in just as the telephone pole jumped up in front of him. His face mask and pads saved him from all but the total blow. He jumped up and ran back to the huddle. The rest of us (John Devos, NIck Eastland, Donnie Price, Barry Handleman, Dave Parkhurst, John Getz and (yes) Jane Rosborough stood open-mouthed.
Lon Richey
Jerry and I were sixth graders at Lincoln grade school. On the playground he couldn't be caught.. Fast forward to 1965 and the Sterling Night Relays. Tragically, Jerry pulled a hamstring running what was effectively an exhibition 220. It was right before state. It may well have cost Jerry a state championship in the 880. I mention this only because his obituary, with great humility, elects to focus on his far more important love of family and friends. Clearly a life well lived.
Ivan Streit
Jery and I were running mates both literally and figuretivlely We ran miles together along with , Don Blaser, Mike Waters, loren tullberg, and so many others. The last couple of years, Don and I were intouch with jerry every two weeks via conference calls , and mike would have lunch with us whenever I was lucky enough to be in Moline. we were roommmates in college for a semester in 1965. Jerry would take my drivers license, because his was revoked, always going too fast , even in the red chevy convertibnle.
lon was correct , jerry pullede a muscle in sterling, along with some jerseys. coach shipley made me mail them back, usung a rock island address. thanks for the memories my friend.
Dana Clearman
Jarry and I became friends almost immediately when my family moved to Moline during our junior year in high school. I had minimal contact with him after high school. But those in-between years have some "Jerry Barr" memories. Certainly for his athletic prowess but for me, more for "goofing" around together. We seemed to hit off well; for some reason, I vividly remember him laughing. I am glad I got to know him.