Obituaries

Gerald Wesley Emanuel, 83, of Geneva, Illinois, died January 29, 2026, in Geneva. He was one of the nicest guys you ever knew. He could strike up a conversation with just about anyone and then part as friends.

Born July 2, 1942, in Belvidere, Illinois, to Harold and Geraldine (Libke) Emanuel. He attended Belvidere public schools and graduated from Belvidere High School in 1960. He earned an Associate’s degree from Rock Valley College. He spent most of his working years in research and development at Beloit Corporation in South Beloit, Illinois, improving the paper-making process. Although he gave up his pipes years ago, his children remember the smell of cherry tobacco after dinner, and on weekends. He was an avid golfer, and enjoyed many rounds with his Beloit Corporation colleague, Richard “Dick” Hergert. He later worked for the Rockford Park District and Viking Chemical Company in Rockford. He played baseball in his youth and was a kind and patient coach as an adult. He was a life-long New York Yankees fan and eventually made it to Yankee Stadium to see a game in his 60s. He also loved to travel. He led road trips with his children and spouses throughout his life (usually with country music playing) and enjoyed several Princess line cruises. He was always up for fun with the “Langs and Olsons,” including playing cards, annual “weenie walks” at Rock Cut Park, the Kids vs. Old Goats softball games, and winter fun at “the Mansion” in Green Lake, Wisconsin. He enjoyed good food and dining out, although lately he favored donuts and jelly beans. Just being at home with Joan, and playing with their dog, Maddie, were some of his happiest times in the last few years.

He is survived by his wife of more than 11 years, Joan Burandt Emanuel, and her children and grandchildren, whom Jerry considered to be a second family; his children, Kristine (Mark) Robertson of South Beloit and Steven (Meg) Emanuel of Clinton, Wisconsin, his grandson, Kyle (Jordan) Robertson, his stepsons, Michael (Julie) Elston of Virginia and Richard (Melanie) Elston of Rockford, his step-grandchildren, Emily, William, Garrett and Zabrina, his sisters, Janet Lindquist of Rockford and Kathy Emanuel of Rockford, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, Karen Frances (Hale), his second wife, Barbara Jean (Fross Elston), his brothers, Harold Emanuel, Elmer Emanuel, and Ronald Emanuel, and his sisters, Carol Mundy and Karen Schrader.

A commemoration of Jerry’s life will be held on March 21, 2026, at 3:00 p.m., at Christ Lutheran Church in Belvidere, Illinois, where he will be interred with his second wife in the church’s columbarium. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Jerry’s memory to Christ Lutheran Church, 425 Riverside Road, Belvidere, Illinois 61008.

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