William Jerry Heern

William "Jerry" Heern, age 86, passed away peacefully at his home in Makanda, Illinois, on March 20, 2026.

A proud native of Makanda, Jerry was born on April 23, 1939. He graduated from Carbondale Community High School in 1957. Following graduation, he moved to Oswego, Illinois, to work for Caterpillar in Montgomery. In 1961, he married the love of his life, Elaine Silvius. Soon after, as his draft number neared, Jerry enlisted in the United States Air Force. He went on to serve with distinction for 30 years, retiring as a Chief Master Sergeant and a proud veteran of the Vietnam Conflict.

After his military retirement, Jerry returned to his roots in Makanda with Elaine and their youngest son, Chuck, to be near family. He embraced the slower pace of rural life, finding great joy in caring for his 40 acres of land-most notably from the seat of his mower. Jerry was well known for his cheerful spirit and his ability to find the "funny side" of any situation. This sharp wit led him to become a founding member of the "Makanda Liars Club" alongside his fellow jokesters.

Community was vital to Jerry. He was a founding member of the Makanda Veterans Memorial and served on the board of the Makanda Evergreen Cemetery Committee. Following Elaine's passing, Jerry found companionship and adventure traveling the world with his longtime partner, Hilda, and dear friends. He especially cherished his annual trips to Branson, Missouri, with Chuck.

Above all, Jerry's greatest legacy was his family. A devoted father, he took immense pride in caring for Chuck; their unbreakable bond was the heart of his life and his greatest source of happiness.

Jerry is survived by his longtime companion, Hilda Williams; his sister, Lucille Burrow; his children, Wade Heern, Paul (Cindy) Heern, Art (Kim) Heern, Rose (Bob) Pendleton, and Chuck Heern; several grandchildren and many great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clinton and Martha; his brother, Charles; his beloved wife, Elaine; and his son, Joe.

Funeral Services for Jerry will be held at 12:00pm on Saturday, April 4, 2026 at Meredith Funeral Home in Carbondale with Pastor William Prosise officiating. Burial will follow in Makanda Evergreen Cemetery with full military honors. A time of visitation will be prior to the service on Saturday starting at 10:00am at the funeral home.

Memorials in Jerry's name may be made to Special Olympics and will be accepted at the funeral home.

Meredith Funeral Home in Carbondale is in charge of arrangements. To leave a memory or story of Jerry visit www.meredithfh.com.