Gerald Edward Marchand

Gerald "Jerry" Edward Marchand passed away in Tucson, Arizona on September 21, 2024. He was born January 25, 1944 in Metamora, Illinois to Gertrude and Cornelius Marchand.

He is survived by his three sons, whom he loved and was proud of their accomplishments, Brian (Susan), Bradley (Tammy) and Christopher (Elisa) Marchand and stepchildren, Carol Lemon (Phil Gaha) and Dale Lemon (Sandra). As well as his grandchildren, Ashley, Trent, Elliot, Micah, Isaac, and Shiloh Marchand, and Eleanor and Everett Lemon. He is also survived by siblings, Donna Kelsey, Rita Redenius, Edward Marchand, Diana Dudley, and Linda Overholt as well as sister-in-law, Shirley Marchand; cousin, Joyce Smith and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by siblings Donald Marchand and Patricia (Marchand) Almasi, and brothers-in-law, John Kelsey, Richard Redenius, Bob Almasi, Jim Dudley and Wilbur Overholt.

Jerry spent his childhood in Metamora, Illinois and after graduating from Metamora High School, Jerry worked at Keystone Steel and Wire. He served in the U.S. Army on a posting in Germany during the Vietnam era and then upon returning continued to work for Keystone Steel and Wire. Following his release from active reserve service he joined Central Illinois Light Co. (Cilco), where he worked as a mechanical maintenance planner and scheduler and after 30 years of dedicated service he retired.

In 2005 he moved to Tucson, Arizona, where he met, fell in love with and married Elizabeth (Bette) Lemon. They were joined together with a common love of all things family, while sharing in lots of laughter, love, and sports. He was an avid sports fan, supporting the University of Arizona (Wildcats) football and basketball teams as well as Arizona Diamondbacks baseball.

Jerry will be remembered by many about his joy of mushrooms, particularly the morel mushroom, especially the hunt. He enjoyed being outside in nature and took pleasure from the large variety of birds that frequented our yard, and taking our dog "Dukie" for walks.

Jerry’s ashes will be interred to their final resting place at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Metamora, Illinois.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation in Jerry's honor to a charity of your choice.