Gerald "Jerry" Donahue, 72, of Mendota died October 16, 2018 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center, Peoria.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m., Monday in the Merritt Funeral Home, Mendota with Rev. Susan Presley officiating. Visitation will be from 2-4 p.m., Sunday in the funeral home.

Jerry was born August 9, 1946 in Mendota to Leslie M. and Alice (Guilfoyle) Donahue. He married Ellen Vickrey on June 15, 1968 in St. Mary's Church, West Brooklyn.

He is survived  by his wife Ellen of Mendota; one daughter, Missy (Brad) Watson of Brighton; one son, Jason (Jennifer) Donahue of Mendota; 7 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren; one brother, Dr. Joe (Jan) Donahue of Peru; two sisters, Cathy Donahue of Tarpon Spring, FL and Pat Donahue of Rockford and sister in law Sandee Donahue.

He was preceded by his parents and a brother Michael.

He was a 1964 graduate of Mendota High School. He joined the Chicago Pipefitters Local 597 in 1970 and devoted 48 years to the union. He spent many weekends  traveling to his daughter's  to help install the plumbing in her home. He spent 5 years as the Athletic Director for Holy Cross Grade School, Mendota and for 4 years he volunteered as a Little League baseball coach. He was a member of Mendota Elks Lodge 1212 for 39 years. He enjoyed woodworking and made beautiful bookcases, doll houses, baby beds and other wood crafts with beautiful detail. He was devoted to his wife of 50 years, his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  .

He will be remembered as a wonderful husband, father, neighbor and friend.

Memorials may be directed to Illinois Valley Public Action to Deliver Shelter.