Gerald A. "Jerry" Stoeffler, 72, of East Dubuque, IL, lost his battle with cancer, on Friday evening, August 4, 2017, at The Finley Hospital, in Dubuque, IA surrounded by friends and family.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 A/M, on Wednesday, August 9, 2017, at St. Mary's Church, in East Dubuque, with Fr. Dean Smith officiating.  Burial will be in the East Dubuque Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 3 P/M to 8 P/M, on Tuesday, August 8th, and from 9 A/M to 9:45 A/M, on Wednesday, August 9th, at the Miller Funeral Home, in East Dubuque, where the parish rosary will be recited on Tuesday at 2:30 P/M, and members of the East Dubuque Volunteer Fire Department will meet on Tuesday at 6 P/M to attend the wake.

He was born in Dubuque on October 28, 1944, and was lovingly raised by his mother, Mary Jane VanSchaik-Stoeffler, and his father, Dean E. Smith, of East Dubuque.

Jerry was a graduate of East Dubuque High School, Class of 1963.  Following graduation he was a proud member of the National Guard and served as a member of the East Dubuque Volunteer Fire Department.  He was employed by John Deere Dubuque Works for (39) years.

He was married to Eileen O'Neill, in 1968, and had his first two children.  Following his divorce, his union to Darlys T. (Meyer) Stoeffler added (3) children to this abundant life.  He was a devoted husband and loving father.

Jerry always maintained that his only goal in life was to be the "ordinary everyday guy".  To those around him, who were touched by him, he far surpassed that goal with his overt and comical personality.  He always managed to put a smile on the face of almost everyone he met.

Jerry was an outdoors type of guy and spent his free time hunting, fishing, gardening, and boating.  He especially treasured the time he spent with his beloved wife, Darlys, and their black lab, Lady, at their cabin in Northern Wisconsin.

Surviving are his children, Mary Jane (Ryan) Stoeffler, Shawn Mercer, Karli (Dan) Arioso, Michael (Terra) Stoeffler, and Caleb (Amy) Mercer; his grandchildren, Lauren, Jacob, Dylan, Sophia, Gavin, Raegan, Landon, Morgan, Cole, Elaine, Noelle and Malia; and a very special aunt, Jackie (Smitty) Larkin.

He was preceded in death by his mother and father; his wife, Darlys; and several aunts and uncles.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.millerfhed.com