Jerry Eugene Fields, 88, of South Beloit, IL passed away on Friday, October 9, 2026 at Serenity Hospice in Oregon, IL. He was born on July 5, 1938 in Dante, Virginia to Sherman and Bertha (Hicks) Fields. Jerry moved to Rockford, IL with his family when he was a teenager.

He married Jan Traw in November of 1973. Jerry worked as an electrician for National Lock until they closed in 1982. Then he was employed as an electrician for the Chrysler Plant in Belvidere until he retired in 2000. Jerry was very involved in the union, serving as the president for several years. He was also a member of the Venetian Club in Rockford.

Jerry loved to garden and work in his machine shop. When they moved to Pecatonica, he built a barn with a machine shop where he made and repaired things. He put a tin roof on the barn so that he could listen to the rain. He also put in a porch so that he could sit and watch his garden grow.

Jerry loved to help people. He and his friend, Ed, would put their skills to work in the community. They did electrical repairs, built decks, resealed driveways, helped finish basements and built bars for elderly people, friends and family. He did a lot of work for free.

Jerry was a big Chicago Bears fan, and a Cubs fan. In his youth, he loved to wrestle and played basketball. He also loved animals and all creatures.

He is survived by his wife, Jan; daughters, Annette (Jim Andersen) McLean and Kelly (Josh) Woodard, all of South Beloit; grandchildren, Tierra (Darrell), Dane (Ashlee), Analise (Ian), Randi, Zac (Lexi), Kasey, Brianna and Brian; great-grandchildren, Liam, Noah, Reid, Eli, Silas, Blake and Chloe; sisters, Vicki Keller and Debbie Wheeler, both of AZ; and many cousins, nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents; his son, Jerry Fields; his brother, Cliff; brothers-in-law, Bill Wheeler and LaVerne Keller as well as his good friend, Ed Walker.

The family would like to thank Northern Illinois Hospice and the Serenity Hospice staff for their loving care. Memorial donations may be made to Serenity Hospice, 1658 IL-2, Oregon, IL 61061 in Jerry's name.

A private family service will be held. Arrangements are made by Grace Funeral & Cremation Services, 4301 N. Main Street, Rockford, IL. Share a memory or condolence at www.graceFH.com.