Gerald William Cornett, Sr., age 72, of Naperville, Illinois, and formerly of Portage, Indiana, passed away June 11, 2016 at home. He was born on January 2, 1944 in Gary, Indiana to Delbert and Eva Cornett. He was a member of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local #150 for 52 years. He proudly served his nation as a member of the United States Army. An active member of Grace UMC, Naperville, IL, he served on the Board of Trustees, and many youth were blessed by his leadership and positive example. Jerry enjoyed fishing in Canada, going to the beaches of Panama City, Florida and the Indiana Dunes, his grandson's sporting events, and spending time with his cousins and family. He was a big fan of Notre Dame Football and the Cubbies. He will always be remembered by those who love him as the best story teller ever. He never met a stranger.

On August 2, 2008, he married the love of his life, Judy (Shotts) Cornett, who survives. Also surviving are his mother, Eva M. Udick; sons, Robert Cornett, David Cornett, Gerald William "JJ" Cornett, Jr. ; daughter, Victoria (David) Nay; step daughters, Catherine (Tom) Rogers, Alison (Mike) Genslinger; grandchildren, Sasha, Brianna, Jake, Casey, Blake, Marshall, Sam, Jon, Trey, Ben and Lauren; great grandchildren, Annabell, Ella Mae, and Molly Ann; brother, Kevin Cornett; brother in law, Lloyd Brodie; special cousins, Fred Oswald, Lee Delmage, Jim Oswald, Treva Larson, Mary Jane Geary, Connie Dolak, Pam Bryant, Rhonda Nelson; aunt, Betty Blossom; numerous nieces, nephews and friends beyond measure.

Jerry was preceded in death by his father, Delbert L. Cornett; sister, Florence Brodie. Memorial contributions in Jerry's name may be made to Season's Hospice, 2195 Diehl Road, Naperville, Illinois, 60563, or Grace UMC Church, 300 East Gartner, Naperville, IL 60540.

A funeral service for Jerry will take place Wednesday, June 15, 2016 at 11:30 am at Rees Funeral Home, Olson Chapel, 5341 Central Avenue, Portage. Visitation for Jerry will be held Wednesday from 10:00 am until the time of service in the funeral home. He will be laid to rest during a private service at Graceland Cemetery in Valparaiso. An additional memorial visitation will take place Thursday, July 7, 2016 from 11:00 am until 12:00 pm at Grace UMC Naperville, 300 East Gartner, Naperville, Illinois followed by a 12:00 pm memorial service. For more information, please call (219) 762-3013. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.reesfuneralhomes.com.