Wayne L. Gerrond

NEPONSET - Wayne L. Gerrond, 87, of Neponset, died at his home on July 5, 2019, with his loving family at his side. Funeral rites will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, July 10th at Rux Funeral Home in Kewanee. Rev. Dr. William R. Toliver will officiate. Calling hours will begin at 10:00 a.m. Burial will be in Floral Hill Cemetery in Neponset where the Neponset American Legion Post 875 will observe military honors.

Wayne was born in 1932 in Kewanee to George and Marvel (Hansen) Gerrond. Wayne spent his early years in Barrington, IL, and as a high school junior moved to Neponset, where he graduated in 1950 from Neponset High School. He served in the US Navy during the Korean War.

He and Carol (Blake) married on June 19, 1954 and have three children.

Wayne was a distributer for Skelgas, then formed the Gerrond-Tornquist Independent Insurance Agency with Rich Tornquist. He was later associated with Jager Agency, Midwest Insurance and the Bob Norton Agency.

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Donald R. his nephew Richie Gerrond and an infant daughter, Camala. He is survived by his wife Carol, three children, Grant (Patty) Gerrond, Neponset; Jan Gerrond, Peoria; Barbara Gerrond-Safiran (Edward), Neponset; granddaughters, Hannah (husband Alex Binek), Caitlin, and Emily Safiran, “adopted granddaughter” Akiko Senjue, Tokyo, Japan; plus, several nephews and nieces.

He was a longtime board chairman of First Congregational Church of Neponset, a two-term member of the Neponset Village Board, a member of Neponset American Legion Post 875, Neponset Pride and various other clubs and institutions. A high school athlete, his adult sports included golf and swimming.

Wayne loved his church, his community, the United States, animals and little kids (they loved him too) and most of all, his family and friends. He deeply appreciated the fine care he received from OSF Saint Luke Medical Center, OSF Home Care and Hospice and the kind prayers and good wishes of so many people.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to First Congregational Church of Neponset, OSF Home Care or Hospice Western Region, Neponset Public Library or the charity of the donor’s choice.

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