Jerome A. Braet

August 26, 1939-February 19, 2022

East Moline- Jerome A. Braet, 82 of East Moline died Saturday, February 19th at Genesis Medical Center-Illini Camus, Silvis, surrounded by his loving family. Funeral services are 10 AM Wednesday, February 23, 2022 at St. Anne Catholic Church, East Moline. Burial is at St. Mary's Cemetery, East Moline. Visitation is 4-7PM Tuesday at Van Hoe Funeral Home Ltd., East Moline, where a rosary will be recited at 3PM. With the passing of Jerry's daughter, Diana Yerington, on April 30, 2020, during the height of the Covid pandemic, this visitation will be shared in her memory.

Jerome (Jerry) was born August 26, 1939 in Moline, Illinois, the son of August and Veronica (Huff) Braet. He married Joan C. Crossman in September 1960, and together they have been members of St. Anne Catholic Parish in East Moline for 61 years. (He was a member his entire life.)

Jerry worked as an Advanced Designer at John Deere Harvester Product Engineering in Silvis, Illinois. Fresh out of high school, John Deere Spreader Works wanted to hire him as a draftsman, but he had to wait until his 18th birthday to begin working there. Jerry worked for John Deere for 34½ years and retired in June of 1992.

Over the years, Jerry and Joan enjoyed traveling to many states, especially to Colorado, exploring and hiking the railroad ghost towns that Jerry modeled for many years. Some of their most treasured memories include their six trips to Germany to explore Europe with their many special German friends and the many family vacations throughout the years.

Jerry enjoyed model railroading, woodworking, countless do-it-yourself projects with Joan, and hiking with his grandchildren. A circus enthusiast, Jerry loved every aspect from set up to tear down.

Many of his loves included fishing, especially trips to Woman Lake, Minnesota, where his extended family has been going since 1944, cheering for the Chicago Bears, Notre Dame, Alleman High School, and especially all his grandchildren's sporting events.

All because two people fell in love, their house was always filled with love and laughter, God and faith. Aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends were always welcome into the many traditions their lives revolved around.

The loves of his life were his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and his best friend in the world, Joan.

Survivors include Joan, his wife of 61½ years; daughters Deb (Ryan) Erickson, Moline; Diana (deceased) (Leo) Yerington, Davenport; sons Mike (Edie), Griffith, IN; Don (Teresa), East Moline; Andrew (Jackie), Moline; and daughter Wendy (Anthony) Kerker, East Moline.

Grandchildren: Heather (Chad) Olson, Staci (Don) Daugherty, Nick (Taylor) Erickson, Alexandra (Nick) Podpeskar, Drew Braet, and Gabby, Mackenzie, and Austin Kerker. Five step-grandchildren and sixteen great grandchildren. Siblings: Dolores Shoecraft, Phillip (Donna) Braet, and Paul (Tanya) Braet.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; siblings Michael, Diana, Ronald, and Joann; daughter Diana Yerington; granddaughters Rebecca Braet and Alicia Strisko. Memorials may be made to St. Anne Parish or Alleman High School.

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Tuesday, February 22, 2022 3:00 PM

Van Hoe Funeral Home 1500 Sixth Street East Moline, Illinois 61244

Tuesday, February 22, 2022 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Van Hoe Funeral Home 1500 Sixth Street East Moline, Illinois 61244

Wednesday, February 23, 2022 10:00 AM

St. Anne Catholic Church 555 18th Ave. East Moline, Illinois 61244