Jerome "Jerry" Ivan Michnick

Jerome “Jerry” Ivan Michnick of South Elgin passed away on December 30, 2019 at the age of 85 in Naperville surrounded by family after a years-long battle with heart and kidney failure. Jerry was born on June 5, 1934 in Chicago, Illinois to Ivan Michael and Natalie (née Suk) Michnick. He was united in marriage to Lisa Jane Kibbey on August 8, 1986 in Glenview, Illinois.

Jerry was a giant of a man in every sense. As a young man he attended Lane Tech High School and took technical classes at the University of Illinois at Chicago, all the while excelling in semi-professional soccer and hockey. Jerry became a mason by trade, leaving his mark in many Greater Chicago buildings through his work as a bricklayer, foreman, and superintendent. All who know of his craftsmanship know that Jerry’s projects were “made to last for the millennium,” as his family lovingly teased.

Jerry’s physical size was only superseded by his generous and loving heart. Though he shared his technical expertise freely with his many friends throughout life, his knowledge and experience extended beyond his own trade. His large hands grasped many projects through the years, benefiting families, friends, and the public, including through his service to fellow citizens as Alderman of West Chicago from 1989 to 1993. His devotion to family, God, and church was clear through his active service to others of all walks in life. His Christlike example of selfless service will live on in the memories of all who encountered him, just as his pride and love for them will be held dearly in their hearts.

Jerry is survived by his two brothers, Greg (Helen-deceased) and George (Ursula) Michnick; his wife Lisa; children: Debbie Griffith (Marcus) Dryden, Ruth Routhier, John (Tammy) Michnick, Ed (Tamara) Michnick, and Jason Michnick; and step-children: Chris Allen, Sandy Huber, and Allison Ryan. He also leaves behind many beautiful grandchildren: Katrina (Michael) Benson, Matthew (Katrina) Allen, Devon Allen, Anthony McCurdy, Stephanie Huber, Paul (Kendra Hayward, Joshua (Amber) Hayward, Heather Folcik, Jenna Michnick, Valerie Michnick, Dylan (Destani) Michnick, Brittany (Louis) Herman, Ashley (Luis) Martinez, Zachary Michnick, AuBrynne Ryan, and Arleigh Ryan. Jerry has joined his parents, his brother Dennis, his son Peter, his stepdaughter Layla, and his sister-in-law Helen in a joyous reunion in the hereafter.

Arrangements are entrusted to Moss-Norris Funeral Home, and a visitation will be held there from 2:00PM to 6:00PM on Sunday, the 5^th of January 2020 (100 South Third Street, St. Charles, Illinois). Following the visitation, Jerry’s life will be celebrated at 10:00AM on Monday, the 6^th of January 2020 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (329 Old Kirk Road, Geneva, Illinois). Jerry will be laid to rest next to Layla at the Glen Oak Cemetery in West Chicago.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jerry’s name to the Layla Suzanne Ryan Scholarship Fund (https://astro.illinois.edu/giving) or a charity of the donor’s choice.