Jerome B. "Jerry" Vaassen, 76, of East Dubuque, IL, passed away Monday, April 1, 2013, at his home from Luekemia.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 A/M, Friday, April 5, 2013, at St. Mary's Church, East Dubuque, with Fr. Jim Parker officiating. Burial will be in the East Dubuque Cemetery.

Friends may call from 1 P/M to 7 P/M, Thursday, April 4, 2013, at the Miller Funeral Home, East Dubuque and between 9:30 A/M - 10:15 A/M, Friday, at the church.

Jerry was born on the family farm in Sinsinawa, WI, on August 20, 1936, the son of John J. and Mary L. (Busch) Vaassen. After grade school at the St. Joseph's in Sinsinawa, he went to Loras Academy in Dubuque. There he participated in the R.O.T.C. program all four years. After graduation he joined the National Guard in Dubuque, where he served as company clerk for nine years. He married Carole A. Brickl on June 13, 1959 at Holy Ghost Church in Dickeyville, WI. After attending Bayless Business College, he worked at the State Bank of East Dubuque for six years before starting his own accounting and tax business from his home for fifty-plus years. This gave him flexible time to organize and coach baseball in East Dubuque. He was able to "live" his love of baseball and create many lasting friendships.

He was a member of St. Mary's Parish, East Dubuque,a former member of the parish council, and organized and coached grade school basketball and Holy Name baseball.

Jerry was an active member of the East Dubuque Lions Club for 50 years, serving as President twice, and Secretary for the last twelve years.

He enjoyed traveling, dancing, golfing, playing cards, following his favorite sports teams, especially the Chicago Cubs and the Chicago Bears, and spending time with his family and friends.

Surviving are his wife, Carole, of 53-years; his children, Jane (George) Sabol, of Lakeport, CA, Tom Vaassen, Mike (Anne) Vaassen, David (Kathy) Vaassen, and Ron (Judy) Vaassen, all of Dubuque, IA, and Scott Vaassen, of East Dubuque, IL: his grandchildren, Eric, Jason, Ryan, Jeremy, Taylor, Sara, Jennifer, Shawn, Paige, Marcus, Susan, Jessica, Matthew, Owen, and Olivia; brothers, Paul (Mary Ann) Vaassen, Gene (Mary Jane) Vaassen, Leonard (Kathie) Vaassen, Gerald (Connie) Vaassen); sisters, Marge (Bill) Cummer, Phyllis Lutes, and Lois (Pete) Rockwell; mother-in-law, Dorothy Brickl; sisters-in-law, Phyllis Miletto, Alice (Jim) Timmerman, and Betty (Tom) Kerkenbush.

He was preceded in death by his parents; father-in-law, Mark Brickl; brothers-in-law, Robert Brickl and Rich Milleto; sister-in-law, Charlene Gabriel; and godson, Gary Timmerman.

It is opening day, another season is here. Jerry has the best seat, maybe this is the year! Go Cubs!

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