Gerald Dunn Wicoff

Another member of the Greatest Generation has gone on to his reward. Gerald Dunn Wicoff, 96, of Danville passed away early Sunday, April 21, 2019, at home surrounded by his family.

In recent weeks, he was waiting for the black dog to arrive and take him to his heavenly home.

Gerald was born Nov. 16, 1922, in Decatur to Cyril Otto and Nina Dunn Wicoff.

He attended Oaklawn, St. Patricks and Danville High Schools, graduating from Villa Grove High School in 1941.

Gerald worked in a naval ordnance facility in Indianapolis, making parts for the Norden bombsight.

In August 1943, he entered the Navy and served 13 months in the Pacific Theatre abroad battleship USS Washington as a Signalman. He participated in actions at the Marianas, Philippines, Okinawa and Iwo Jima, and was discharged in March 1946.

Gerald met Ellen LeSeure while she was attending St. Elizabeth Hospital nursing school, and they married Nov. 13, 1948, in Detroit, Mich. She passed away in May 9, 2005.

For 10 years, Gerald worked as a retail salesman for Everpure Dairy (Borden Milk). He worked 24 years as a sheet metal man at Lauhoff Grain Co., retiring July 1987. Along the way, he also worked a short time at Faulstich Printing, Hyster, Ex-Cell-O Corp., Phillips Laundry and Sunbeam bread.

Gerald served as director on three credit union boards and as treasure/director for 50 years on St. Patricks Credit Union (Holy Family). His hobbies included reading, playing cards, learning about steam trains, doing jigsaw and crossword puzzles, and serving 20 years as a Red Vest volunteer at Presence United Samaritans Medical Center. Two years ago, he enjoyed taking an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., with his son, Raymond, where he met former Sen. Bob Dole.

He was a member of Holy Family Church, serving over the years as lector, Eucharistic minister, money counter and organist in earlier years.

He loved dogs, and his last three, Bear, Duchess, and now Teddy, were rescues.

Gerald was known for his quick wit, quiet demeanor and kindness.

Survivors include a son, Ray (Linda) Wicoff of Chandler, Ariz.; four daughters, Mary Margaret Wicoff of Danville, Lynn Wicoff of Covington, Ind., Theresa (Roy) Harris of Cocoa Beach, Fla., and Phyllis Wicoff of Apopka, Fla.; brother, Ron Wicoff of Danville; sister, Barbara Rupert of Savoy; three grandchildren, Angela (Mark) Bennett of Pekin, Eric (Amy) Wicoff of Chandler, and Michael (Kim) Wicoff of Gilbert, Ariz.; and great-grandchildren, Cody Pitman of Woodridge, Ella and Abby Wicoff of Chandler, and Madison and Brayden Wicoff of Gilbert.

He was preceded by Duchess, canis extraordinarious the black dog whom he loved dearly.

Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday April 25, 2019 at 10am. at Holy Family Catholic Church 444 E. Main St. Danville. Officiated by Father Loftus and Father Ted. Entombment will be at Resurrection Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Wednesday April 24, 2019 from 4pm to 7pm with a Prayer Service at 3:30pm.

Memorials may be made to the Vermilion County Animal Shelter or Holy Family Catholic Church

The family deeply appreciates the love and support shown by the OSF HealthCare Hospice nurses.

Please join Geralds family in sharing memories, photos, and videos on his tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.

Services Visitation Wednesday April 24, 2019 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM Sunset Funeral Home & Cremation Center 3940 N Vermilion St. Danville, Il 61834 Funeral Mass Thursday April 25, 2019 10:00 AM Holy Family Catholic Church 444 E Main St Danville, , Illinois (IL) 61832