Jerry E. Gonse, 90, of Taylor Ridge, IL, passed away on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at Harmony in Davenport, IA. Visitation will be held from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., with a funeral service following at 11:00 a.m., on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory, Milan. Burial will be at Greenview Memorial Gardens. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Jerry was born on August 31, 1936, in Rock Island, IL, to William and Florence (Kurriger) Gonse. After graduating from Rock Island High School, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served in the Reserves for nine years.

Jerry began his working life at Servus Rubber, where he met his future wife, Johanna Johnson. They were married on July 30, 1966, and made their home in Taylor Ridge. Jerry went on to build a 30-year career at Alcoa, working in the Foil Mill department before retiring.

Jerry and Jo were members of St. Matthew’s Church in Milan. Jo was a marathon runner, and the two traveled around the country for her races, including an annual trip to Hawaii.

Jerry and his family were also active in midget racing, with a lot of memories made during nights at the fairgrounds. He drove Blackhawk and Storm cars for many years before later becoming a team owner.

Jerry loved to garden and grew countless tomatoes and peppers—the spicier, the better—and made his own salsa.

He was a devoted uncle, a role he enjoyed from the time his nieces and nephews were young when he shared his record collection with them, and throughout the years that followed.

He will be greatly missed by his nieces and nephews, Cheryl (Rod) Rinehart, Vicki Harrell, Steve (Lisa) Jacobsen, Jan (John) Brewer, Tamara Antolik, Jim (Rebecca) Antolik, Jerry (Ilona) Antolik, Rhonda (Ron) Jenson, Bruce (Sue) Miller, Larry Miller, Roxanne Tacey, Kevin Hughes, Marcia (Paul) Terwilliger, Dana (Jeff) Herman, and Randy (Beth) Tacey; and numerous great-nieces and great-nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Jo; his siblings, Marilyn Jacobsen, Darlene Antolik, Phyllis Miller, and Carol Tacey; niece Karen Hughes; and nephew Kevin Antolik.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Harmony and Heartland Hospice for their wonderful care, especially Zuri.

To leave condolences for the family, visit wheelanpressly.com.