Freeport-Gerald L. Crouse, 61, of Freeport, died Thursday, July 28, 2005, at his home after a one year battle with Leukemia.
Born May 4, 1944 at the Liberal Army Air Force Base Hospital in Liberal, KS he was the son of Robert and Sylvia (Winter) Crouse. He married Tina Reuber December 17, 1966. He married Christine Carter March 31, 1973 and she died July 14, 1984. He married Jeanine M. Rice November 2, 1985.
He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1962 to 1966.
He owned and operated Gerald L. Crouse, Inc., the Surge Dairy Equipment Dealership in Cedarville, from 1969 until 2000. As a successful businessman and innovator in the dairy industry he traveled extensively to assist other dealers in management issues. He also helped start Rock River Dairy Equipment in Morrison, Illinois and Den-o-way Dairy Equipment in Watertown, Wisconsin.
He loved his family, helping all his daughters in life's adventures whether near or far, traveling, flying his airplane, and took special joy in watching his daughter Jennifer play basketball the last 18 years.
Gerald was a very active member of Immanuel Lutheran Church serving as chairman of the church building committee, property committee, financial secretary, vice president for personnel, and long-time treasurer. He was an avid supporter of Immanuel Lutheran School serving as girl's basketball coach and computer "Guru", managing both their hardware and programming needs.
Gerald enjoyed helping others immensely. Whether it was friends or family, he was always available to lend a helping hand. As a craftsman, he took pride in every endeavor, such as his wood working projects which he shared freely.
Surviving is his wife, Jeanine of Freeport; his mother, Sylvia of Cedarville; four daughters, Tana Bonk of Havelock, NC, Gina Davis of Lismore, NSW, Australia, Jessica (Mike) Kirk of Blythedale, MO, and Jennifer Crouse of Freeport; 2 step daughters, Laura (Terrance) Heath of San Francisco, CA and Debra (Jim) Hill of Berwyn; 2 sisters, Jean (Wayne) Mennenga of Pecatonica and Carol (Craig) VanWaardhuizen of Waterloo, IA; 2 granddaughters, Jocelyn Newton and Amber Bonk both of Havelock, NC; 2 step granddaughters, Autumn Kirk of Blythedale, MO and Madeleine Heath of San Francisco, CA.
He was preceded in death by his father; wife, Christine; and sister, Connie Knodle.
Funeral service will be Tuesday 10:30 a.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church with Reverend Willis Schwichtenberg and Vicar Paul Roggow officiating. Burial will be in the Oakland Cemetery & Mausoleum.
Visitation will be Monday 4 to 8 p.m. at Walker Mortuary.
A memorial has been established for Immanuel Lutheran Church.
Please Sign & View the Family Guest Book at www.walkermortuary.com