Jerry Bertrand

Jerry Bertrand, Army Veteran, age 76, of West Chicago, IL, passed away on Wednesday, April 3, 2024 at home peacefully with his family by his side. Jerry grew up in Marinette, WI, and moved to IL where he started his family. He is preceded in death by his dear wife, Linda. He was a devoted father to Mandy (Pat) Mercadante and Adam (Carla) Bertrand. Son of the late Walter and Opal Bertrand. Loving grandfather to Joey and Olivia Mercadante, and Melanie and Joshua Bertrand. Dear brother to Frances Klitzke, Sharon Boivin, Judy Bertrand, Glenda Walters, and the late James, Robert, Richard, William, Evelyn, Wayne, Donna Mae, and Steven Bertrand.

Jerry was a true American Hero serving in the Army and earning a Purple Heart, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Air Medal, Bronze Star Medal and the Army Commendation Medal. Jerry was a man of many trades, including being a personal chef to the Blackhawks in the 70’s, to rehabbing homes with his Home Inspection/Construction business throughout the community, to name a few of his talents. The only thing to top his talented career is his generosity to the community, spending years of service with the Bloomingdale VFW, supporting his fellow veterans, and Bloomingdale Lion’s club that he served on for many years. He enjoyed his annual hunting trips every November in his home away from home log cabin that he built with his dear best friend Norm. Jerry was a die hard Green Bay Packer fan, and loved to tell everyone in Chicago what a fan he was, and trying to convert Bears fans.

Jerry had a heart of gold, and would do/or give anyone whatever they needed. Jerry faced many challenges in his life with his health, but his love for life, his humor, stubborn and tough demeanor carried him through til his last breath.

Family and friends may visit at Salerno’s Rosedale Chapel, 450 W. Lake St. Roselle IL 60172 on Wednesday, April 10, 2024 from 3:00pm-8:00 pm for a Memorial Visitation, and on Thursday, April 11 at 10:00 for a visitation until time of funeral service at 11:00 a.m. with military honors. The interment location will be at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church for a private family service at a later time. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Operation Homefront https://operationhomefront.org/ The Fisher House Foundation, https://fisherhouse.org/ or The Veterans of Foreign Wars https://www.vfw.org