It is with deep sorrow we announce the death of Gerald (Jerry) Klatt, 80, of Mendota on November 24, 2023.

Services will be held Wednesday, November 29, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at the Merritt Funeral Home, Mendota with Rev. Mary Bohall officiating. Visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. until time of services. Jerry would appreciate everyone to wear casual attire. Private burial will be held at Precinct Cemetery in Earlville.

Jerry was born in Sandwich, Il on December 30, 1942 to Herbert and Frances "Queenie" (McInturf) Klatt. He married Barbara Rider on April 4, 1964 in Mendota.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years Barbara of Mendota, sons Jay (Wendy) of Mendota, Dennis (Holly) of Wapella and Timothy (Laura) of Bloomington. He was proud grandpa to Taylor (Desiree) Klatt, Brooklyn (Dan) Loos, Avery Klatt, Payton Klatt, Karsyn Klatt, Chase (Ashley) McBride, Grant (Laura) McBride, Haley (Chad) Hoke, and Hannah Morris. He was great grandpa to Saige Nickerson and Cooper Loos. Surviving brothers are Bob Klatt of DeKalb and Terry (Sue) Klatt of Bolingbrook. Also survived by sisters in law Marian Klatt Mayerchin, Karen Klatt and brother in law George Ackley, and many, many neices and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Dick in 1981 and Tom in 2018, and sister Mary Ann (George) Ackley in 2016 and sister in law Donnalee Klatt in 2018.

After spending his youth on the farm in Paw Paw, Jerry began his life career spending 27 years at Conco Inc. and their succeeding companies. He served in many capacities and eventually became an expert machinist. 10 years at Avery Dennison in Rochelle where he was instrumental in designing and implementing many cost improvement ideas. Jerry retired from RR Donnelley in Mendota in 2010 where he served as head machinist and was well known for his ability to fabricate any type of equipment. He had a very strong work ethic with added humor and optimism. His love of farming carried over throughout his life. His hobby was mowing, mowing and mowing. He kept many lawns in top notch condition. His boys may have rebelled at first, but he passed his standard of excellence to them. Not exactly a connoisseur of culture, he nevertheless enjoyed his grandchildrens events. Dance recitals, concerts, ball games, plays, he was there. He was a life long member of the Mendota Elks Club and Mendota Moose Club. His retirement years found him maintaining lawns, porch and garage sitting, having coffee with his buddies and going for rides in his shiney, pristeen trucks. He loved teasing his grandchildren and they love reminiscing the funny sayings he would tell them.

Memorials may be directed to the family for distribution to his favorite charities.