Gerald P. “Jerry” Mathy (89) of Effingham

Gerald P. “Jerry” Mathy, 89, of Effingham, IL, passed away on Friday, December 11, 2020 at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana, IL.

According to Jerry’s wishes, his body will be donated to science. Johnson Funeral Home in Effingham in assisting the family. Memorials may be made to donor’s choice. Online condolences may be shared by clicking here.

Gerald was born on July 1, 1931, in Hancock, MI, the son of Cyril and Jessie (White) Mathy. He married RoseAnn (nee, Hoeffner) Stoecker on January 1, 1985. Jerry served his country in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean Conflict. He attended the University of Illinois and Southern Illinois University. He worked 35 years for the IDOT as an engineer. He enjoyed dancing with RoseAnn and attending jazz festivals across the country. Jerry also enjoyed a good dry martini. He liked mushroom hunting, bowling, golfing, and playing cards, especially poker and bridge. Jerry traveled all the states except, New Jersey. He loved to write poetry and was known for his “word of the day” in his front yard at his home. He was a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Illini fan. Jerry was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Effingham Knights of Council 665, and Effingham American Legion Post 120. He was a humbly generous man to those in need.

Jerry is survived by his wife, RoseAnn Mathy of Effingham; son, Steve Mathy (spouse, Theresa) of Effingham; step-children, Ellen Stoecker (Jim Doyle) of Seattle, WA, Jerry Stoecker of Columbia, IL, Susan Donsbach (spouse, Jerry) of Teutopolis, Richard Stoecker (spouse, Mary Lou) of Columbia, IL, Martin Stoecker of Wentzville, MO, Nancy White (spouse, Hillary) of Mattoon, and David Stoecker of Makanda; 14 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and sister, Marcia Dirks of Avon, OH.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Cyril and Jessie Mathy; sister, Marilyn Michaelree; and stepdaughters-in-law, Jenean Stoecker and Alyce Ward-Stoecker.