Gerald “Jerry” W. Grist age 85, of Quincy died on Thursday, November 24, 2016 at 4:20 p.m. in his home. Jerry was born November 18, 1931 in Denver, IL a son of Jim and Helen (Clark) Grist. He married his wife of 59-years, Bonnie J. Holtschlag on October 26, 1957 in Quincy’s old St. Boniface Catholic Church, and she survives.
Jerry was self-employed as the owner of Grist Excavating for 41 years until his retirement. Before that, he and his wife owned and operated a Harley Davidson Dealership on South 9th Street in Quincy.
He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Jerry was a member of St. Anthony Catholic Church. He was a long-time member of the Moose Lodge, the Elks Lodge and Quincy’s V.F.W. Post #5129.
Jerry was devoted to his excavating business and for him, it was his hobby. He loved his 621 Earth Mover, and doing his own yard work. He enjoyed watching the St. Louis Cardinals with his grandson, and was an enthusiastic NASCAR fan. Jerry had a good sense of humor, providing a laugh when least expected. Above all, he dearly loved his family.
In addition to his wife Bonnie, survivors include his children,
Jeanne (Barry) Cheyne; Jerry (Susan) Grist; and Stacey Mulch all of Quincy; Brian (Jill) Grist of Camp Point, IL; Grandchildren, Benjamin Cheyne of Norfolk, VA; Adam Cheyne of Quincy; Nicholas Grist; Courtney (Carl) Krutoff; Hunter Mulch all of Quincy and Bryson and Lauren Grist of Camp Point. A great -grandaughter, Haylee Kruthoff.
A brother, Eugene “Donald’ Grist of LaPrairie, IL; 2 sisters, Darlene (Wendell) Reische of Versailles, IL; and Linda (Tony) Matthewson of Timewell, IL. Nieces and Nepehws also survive.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a son-in-law Randy Mulch and a sister-in-law, Barbara Grist.
A Memorial service will be held on Thursday, December 1, 2016 at 7:00 p.m. in the Duker & Haugh Funeral Home. Private interment will be in St. Anthony Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to the Family Wishes or to Blessing Foundation for HOSPICE.www.dukerandhaugh.com