Help Jerry's Loved Ones in Their Time of Need

Ashley Roth is organizing this fundraiser.

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It is with heavy hearts that we share the sudden passing of Jerry Vance on January 11th, 2025. He was an incredible father to six children (and countless of their friends), a loving husband, a Papa, and a man who lived his life with kindness, generosity and understanding. His unexpected loss has left our family heartbroken and facing challenges as we prepare for his funeral and try to understand what life without him will look like.

We are reaching out to our community for support during this difficult time. The funds raised will go toward helping our mom and the children adjust to their new reality and help cover travel costs for those who had to fly in on a moment's notice.

Jerry was the kind of person who always put others first and accepted anyone without judgment.

He took care of us in more times than I can count and always wanted to make sure everyone had somewhere to go on holidays. He was the type of guy who would still buy a car that broke down on the test drive, because as he walked back, he knew could get a discount and he could fix it himself. And he would. He saw value in things others might miss.

He could fix a lot of things. Then break them and fix them again in a more creative way (how I ended up a tire rack to hang my clothes). That creativity followed him in the kitchen as well, and sometimes he would get a little too creative and once I saw him hook a racecar up to the lawnmower to test something because there was no engine. I had never laughed so much.

He also felt indestructible. I do not know a single man who has set himself on fire more than Jerry. He had no feeling in his hands and would forget others did as he would hand over hot items. We would constantly have to tell him that he could not keep screwing things on so tight. He survived a brown recluse spider bite after not going to the hospital for days and his idea of fun was driving dangerously fast and turning left.

He loved his grandkids, and they loved him too.

He was grateful for what he had in life and worked hard for things he wanted.

And he was never asleep, just resting his eyes.

We will miss him.

Your support means the world to us. If you are unable to donate, sharing this campaign with others would make a tremendous difference. Thank you for helping us honor Jerry and supporting our family in our time of need.

Services will be Saturday, January 18th from 2pm-8pm at Lack and Sons Funeral Home, Hickory Hills.