Jerome Joseph Michaels, age 83; beloved husband of Linda nee Noreen; loving father of Daniel Michaels and Cheryl (Darwin) Walk; dearest grandfather of Caden and Adalynn; devoted brother of the late Norbert (the late Shirley), the late Donald (Carol), and the late Daniel (Nannette); fond uncle of many.

Jerry could always make you smile and loved joking with family and friends, especially with his grandchildren.  He was a car enthusiast to the max. He had a 1930 Model T Ford that he raced with his brother, Dan, and brother-in-law, Dick, and they enjoyed many days of working on it together.

He went into the Army and served in the 1st Infantry Division in the Vietnam War from September 1965 to October 1966. He did maintenance on their four OV-1 Mohawk Fixed Wing aircrafts.

When he returned from the war he purchased a 1967 Buick Riviera GS.  He enjoyed driving it for many years, including the times when he and his wife drove their newborn son and daughter home. He later restored it to its original condition and brought it to numerous car shows and Buick & Riviera judging events. Jerry was very proud of his Riviera and would talk about its history with anyone who would lend him an ear.  He worked hard to ensure every detail of his car was perfect which earned it many awards, including the coveted Gold Senior Restoration Award.

Jerry had a 30 year career in the wholesale liquor business working for Romano Brothers (later called Southern Wine and Spirits). He was a Salesman, Sales Manager and his last position was as their Point of Sale Manager, managing the warehouse. He retired in 2004 just in time to help plan his daughter's wedding.

He enjoyed every moment of his 20 years of retirement, spending his summers at the cottage with his wife, children, son-in-law and grandchildren. He will be missed immensely, but his family and friends will be comforted by the countless happy memories they had together.

Visitation

Sunday August 18, 2024 from 4 PM until 8 PM

Skaja Terrace Funeral Home, 7812 N. Milwaukee Ave., Niles IL 60714

Funeral Service Monday August 19, 2024 at 9:15 AM at Skaja Terrace Funeral Home, 7812 N. Milwaukee Ave., Niles IL 60714

10:00 AM Mass at St. John Brebeuf Church

Entombment at St. Adalbert Mausoleum

In lieu of flowers, donations to Lustgarten Foundation, Pancreatic Cancer Research (https://lustgarten.org/) are appreciated.  Funeral info 847-966-7302