Gerald E. Dejong

Gerald E. DeJong, born on September 19, 1951 closed the chapter on his earthly life to start the chapter of his Eternal Life on June 26, 2020.  Beloved husband of Martha DeJong, nee Homans.  Loving father of Kristina Armendariz, Eric (Brandyn) Armendariz, and Paul (April) Armendariz. Devoted grandfather of Sean, Lilly, Jackson, Sophie, Landon, Mayana, and Selena.  Dear brother of Jay DeJong, late Arnie DeJong, late Ed (Carol) DeJong, Sandy DeJong, and the late Betty Mae (late Ernie) Armendariz.  He was also preceded in death by his parents John and Hermina DeJong.

Visitation will be held Friday, July 3, 2020 from 9:00 A.M. followed by a private memorial service at 11:00 A.M. at Reconciliation Church, 833 E. 168 ^th St. South Holland, IL with services conducted by Pastor Glen McCarthy.  Burial will be at Oak Ridge Cemetery - Lansing, IL.

Gerry was a God-fearing man who taught his children to follow in the path of our Lord and Savior.  He showed the value of Christian education and church every day of his life and passed those same values on to his children. Gerry passed on his knowledge of vehicles to his sons and loved to take them out for breakfast before working on cars.  He loved racing cars and would go with Randy and Tina to Illiana Speedway as often as they could.  He loved his grandchildren very much and especially loved to pull on Sophie's ponytail whenever she would come over.  He loved Martha and stood with her during the times of trials that they faced.  He would bring her to many quilting stores and worked hard to give her everything she needed.

Gerry loved to sing and was a member of the church choir, Illiana Oratorio Society, and Men of A Chord.  Gerry touched many people's lives in a wonderful way and, while Gerry may have been taken Home far sooner than anyone expected, the memories he left behind will be cherished forever.

Gerry knew where his faith would lead him and he was confident that the Lord would take care of him.  As John 14: 2-3 says; "In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you.  I am going there to prepare a place for you.  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am".

Memorial contributions may be given to a Christian School of choice or any charity of choice.  For further information, please contact Smits Funeral Home at 708-333-7000 or visit our online obituary and guest book at www.SMITSFH.com