Gerald L. "Jerry" Williams, 79, of Dubuque, IA, passed away on Tuesday, October 6, 2015, at Stonehill Care Center in Dubuque.

There will be no public visitation or services. Private family burial will be held at a later date. The Miller Funeral Home, of East Dubuque, IL, is assisting the family.

Jerry was the youngest child born to Fred and Christine (Schroeder) Williams on May 6, 1936, at Iowa City, IA. Jerry spent most of his childhood at St. Mary's Orphanage. As a teen he met and married Jeanette Mary Swan and moved to the Chicago, IL, area where they raised four (4) children. After 21 years of marriage they divorced and Jerry moved to Memphis, TN, with his new love, Fran.

Jerry worked as a maintenance man at the Naval Base in Memphis. When Fran passed away he came back home to Dubuque. Jerry had a good sense of humor and good work ethic, enjoyed country music, being with friends and family, and loved the animals (as Jerry would say, "the Critters".) He loved a good time. He made many friends in his life and will be missed.

Surviving are his best friend and brother, John L. (Sherry Foht) Williams, of East Dubuque, IL; his four (4) children, Connie Williams Hantelmann and Diane (Joe) Unsen, both of Dubuque, IA, Linda (Randy) Hook, of Rock Falls, IL, and John L. Williams, of El Centro, CA; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Jerry is also survived by three (3) special friends, Kelly, Kathy and Joey.

He was preceded in death by his parents; stepfather; and four (4) sisters, Dorothy, Ruth, Betty and Shirley; and three (3) siblings in infancy.

Jerry's family would like to give "special thanks" to Dr. Kirkendall and the staff at Stonehill Care Center, especially Bonnie, Tracy, Kristen, Jennifer and to all those who gave the best care to Jerry.

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