Jerald F. Grevengoed, 69, of Paw Paw, IL died peacefully with his loving dog, Bubba, lying next to him, on February 24, 2012 at Maywood Park Racetrack. He was born January 4, 1943 to Henry and Margaret (DenBeste) Grevengoed, in Hudson, SD. He married Neva Jane VanderSchaaf on October 6, 1961 in Middleburg, IA.
He raced harness horses for fifty plus years with his wife and best friend, Neva. He was a member of the IHHA. He enjoyed fishing with his friends and family. He and his wife celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary last October at the racetrack where they won with Challenge My Heart. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Paw Paw. He could often be found most mornings debating the topics of the day in the local coffee shops. He also loved raising cattle and spending time with his family.
He is survived by his wife; son Steven (Amy) of Sterling, IL, daughter Shari (Brian) DeLong of Mendota, IL, grandchildren: Anthony (Kaliegh) Grevengoed, Shay DeLong, Michelle Grevengoed, Jacob Huffman and Emily Huffman; a sister, Carol (Ged) Fedders of Littleton, CO, a brother, Robert (Barb) Grevengoed of Paw Paw, and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and infant daughter, Barbara.
Visitation will be held 5-8 P.M. on Tuesday, February 28 at the First Presbyterian Church, 398 Chicago Road, in Paw Paw.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M., Wednesday, February 29 at the church with Pastor Anne Hoflen officiating. Visitation will be held from 10 A.M. until the time of service. Interment will follow in Wyoming Township Cemetery in Paw Paw.
For information, contact Torman Funeral Home at 815-627-3811. Online condolences may be expressed at www.TormanFuneralHome.com.
I just heard of Jerald’s death! I am so sorry. I don’t know how to contact you and I am just hoping the funeral home will give you this message. I am just so, so sorry! Your long-lost friend.
–Nancy
Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Neva and family. Jerry will be missed.
Neva and family,
So sad to hear of Jerald’s passing. We looked forward to your visits here at the lake, all Jerald’s comments and humor, not ready for that to end.
Sympathies to all, God Bless!
Neva: We are so sorry to hear about Jerald Our prayers go out to your family. He will be missed in this small town.
It is always so sad when we lose one we love, but take comfort in the fact that he has floated up above. Through soft billowing clouds, on the wings of an angel, he was delivered to God in Heaven like Jesus to the manger.
Dear Neva and family ~
We were sorry to hear of Jerald’s death. He was one of the most likable people in the horse industry.Our prayers and thoughts are with you at this incredibly sad time.
John & Karen
My sincere sympathy Neva to you and your family. Jerry was a respected horseman and gentleman. My heart goes out to you and yours.
Neva and family –
Jerry’s passing is very sad. Our thoughts and condolences go out to you. My father also died at Maywood and over the years I’ve taken some solace by the fact that he died at his favorite place. Whenever we’re in the winner’s circle, I especially think of him. Death is never easy for those left behind.
Dear Neva & Family:
So sorry for you loss our thoughts & prayers are with you. May you find comfort in all your wonderful memories. We are down with the flu. so we won’t make it to services. But wanted you to know our thoughts are with you. He was an awesome man!
God Bless,
Ronnie & Alice
Good horseman and always liked driving for Jerry and against him. So sorry for the loss of a good horseman. God Bless.
Neva and Family,
We were so sorry to learn of Gerald’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Dennis and Anita
Dear Neva and family:
So sorry to learn of Jerry’s passing….we have not seen you for years, but have good memories from our racing years in Chicago….thinking of you and your family. Take care and God bless.
Neva & family,
Wish we weren’t so far away. You’re in our thoughts & our prayers.
Jerald & his teasing ways will be greatly missed. As I said about my folks, they’re the lucky ones, but we sure will miss them. May the Lord bless & give you strength.
Neva and Family:
So sorry to hear about Jerald’s passing. Hopefully you all will find comfort and peace in fond memories. Guess he will be driving and training Buff’s horses in Heaven. Our deepest sympathy to you and yours.
Ed & Jackie
Dearest Neva,
You are an amazing and strong person, and we know that Jerald must be so proud of you having this strength to go forward. Jer was such a kind man with always something nice to say and to put a smile on one’s face. You are certainly in our thoughts and prayers, and we are blessed to know you for the true friend that you are. God bless.
Neva and family,
Deb and I will always cherish our friendship with you and Jerry. Our deepest condolences to you all. May God bless you and keep you strong.
I’ll always remember sitting in Doc Petkus’ office at Maywood with Jerry as we solved all the world’s problems. He will be missed by all of us.
Neva and family,
So shocked and sad to hear of your loss. Jerald and I had a lot of fun together at the coffee shop, when we lived in Paw Paw and he will be a great loss to the community.
Please accept our sympathy.
Dear Neva and family,
Our deepest sympathy to you all from Florida. A terrible shock to hear of Gerald’s demise. Words cannot express how you are feelin at this moment, however our thoughts and prayers are with you. God bless.
There are no words adequate to express out regret at Jerry’s passing. Truly a friend who always had a good word and ever the conversationalist. Our condolences to Neva and the entire family for their personal loss as well as to all those who knew Jerry. Our prayers are with you.