Jerry F. DeBlock

Jerry Francis DeBlock, 89, passed into his next journey Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025 at Park Vista Retirement Living – North Hill, East Moline, IL.

Jerry was born Nov. 16, 1935, in Moline, IL to Thelma Aldredge DeBlock and Maurice DeBlock. Thelma was a lover of movies and named him after the Fred Astaire character – Jerry Travers – from the movie musical “Top Hat” (1935). Along with his older brother Joseph DeBlock, Jerry grew up in Silvis, IL and attended Silvis public grade schools. He graduated with the Class of 1953 (Motto: We Build for Character, Not for Fame) from United Township High School in East Moline; earning a varsity letter on the tennis team and worked on the school newspaper The Key. He took classes at St. Ambrose College in Davenport, IA.

Jerry enlisted in the US Navy and did his Basic Training at the Naval Station Great Lakes in Great Lakes, IL. He served with Honor in the US Navy from Nov. 1955 – Aug. 1957. He was an Inter-Communication and Electrical Specialist, stationed on the aircraft carrier USS Kearsarge (CVA-33) with an annual deployment schedule to the Far East (Philippines & Japan) and training operations off the coast of CA.

Jerry married Myrna Robyt Oct. 20, 1957. They resided in Moline, IL and shared their daughter Melissa. Jerry married Elaine Garbett Dec. 30, 1966. They lived in East Moline, IL and shared daughter Amy and son Matthew. Jerry and Elaine were just a month short of celebrating their 50th Wedding Anniversary; Elaine passed in Nov. 2016.

Jerry worked for several companies in the Quad Cities area – Deere & Company, Moline, IL; International Harvester, East Moline, IL; Montgomery Elevator, Moline, IL. He retired from Alcoa (Arconic, Inc.), Riverdale, IA in March 2004 as a Physical Testing Lab Technician.

Jerry loved the glamour of Hollywood and was a big movie buff – both old and new – enjoying watching films with a big bowl of buttered popcorn. Like his namesake, Jerry was a fantastic dancer – whirling Elaine around the dance floor or having his daughters dance on his feet in the kitchen as young girls. At Family events he would have all of his Aunts and Cousins on the dance floor taking a spin. He taught his children how to play tennis. He’d take them on road trips to Chicago, IL to visit his brother Joe - enjoying the city’s museums and roller coaster rides at Great America. He instilled the love of Fannie May chocolates – Pixies! – in the family.

During times of strikes or layoffs from work, Jerry became the original House Engineer – doing the work to maintain the home in his unique fashion. He was a great baker of cookies and treats! Jerry was the Announcer for the East Moline AAU Swim Team and the United Township High School Girls and Boys Swim Teams home swimming meets in the 1980s. Jerry vacationed for many years with Elaine to Las Vegas, NV, taking in the lights, sights, shows and food. He enjoyed traveling to the US cities/ states - visiting the places Matt resided; and became a Green Bay Packers fan from the many trips visiting Amy. Jerry was proud to be of Dutch descent – first generation. He was Opa to his grandchildren. He was very proud of his grandchildren and enjoyed attending dance recitals, sporting events, horse shows, musical productions, and scouting ceremonies. After visiting Opa, the grandkids would get to take a handful of coins out of his special wooden “pirate” chest – two handfuls when they were toddlers! – to save for a rainy day. He always sang a rousing rendition of Happy Birthday – ending the song with a big Rah-Rah! He instilled in all of us to live Life with Trooper Blood (spirit & gusto).

Jerry’s Survivors include: Children – Melissa (Mike) Chapman, Geneseo, IL, Amy (Peter) Masias, Green Bay, WI, and Matthew DeBlock, Wesley Chapel, FL; Grandchildren Tess (Maddie) Masias, Portland, OR, Ellie Masias, Minneapolis, MN, Savannah Chapman, Lexington, KY, Ava Masias, Brooklyn, NY, and Ross Chapman, Geneseo, IL; Sister-in-law – Nadine Garbett, Geneseo, IL; Nephew – Rick (Agie) Garbett & Family, Glen Ellyn, IL and Niece – Suzanna (Brian) Floming & Family, Atkinson, IL.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents Thelma & Maurice, his brother Joe, In-laws Raymond & Margaret Garbett, Brother-in-law Richard Garbett, His wife Elaine. 

As per his wishes, a private family memorial was held. Interment is at Greenview Memorial Gardens, East Moline, IL. 

The Family would like to thank Jerry’s caregivers at Park Vista Retirement Living for all the assistance and care they gave him, and also Nurse Kramer, Kelli and staff from MercyOne Genesis Hospice Care who would visit and care for him. Memorials may be made in Jerry’s honor at MercyOne Genesis Hospice Care or your local PBS Station.

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