Jerome “Jerry” E. Gauthier, age 87, of Brookfield, died peacefully surrounded by his family on May 9, 2023. He was the loving son of Hector L. Gauthier and Lyda M. LaFlamme, and most grateful step-son of James P. McGurn.
Born in Bennington, Vermont, he attended Sacred Heart Catholic Church and School and was in the parish Boy Scout Troup 45, attaining the rank of Eagle Scout. He spent two years at Saint Michael’s College, Winooki, Vermont and Saint Pauls Seminary, Ottawa, Canada, where he received his BA/BPh Degree from the University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
In his earlier years, he served as a counselor at the Boy Scout Green Mountain Council Summer Camp. He worked at Southern Vermont Apple Orchard, Old Bennington Weavers, and Benmont Papers. In later years, he continued his career as an Industrial Specialist for the U.S. Navy Material Inspection Service and the DlA Contract Administration Service. He retired as a Staff Industrial Specialist in 1991.
After his schooling, Jerry immediately joined the U.S Marine Corp “for the discipline.” His Boot Camp training was at Paris Island, South Carolina, and he was subsequently assigned as an Intelligence Assistant to the Headquarters Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division. Jerry was with his unit in 1957 when they landed in Lebanon on a peace keeping mission and served as the unit’s French translator. His unit was awarded for their participation in that peace effort.
Returning to the U.S., Jerry was transferred to the Marine Air Training Command, Naval Air Station, Glenview, IL While there, he frequently visited the USO in Chicago, where he met his future wife, Sylvia V. Wuensch. After four years in the USMC, Jerry was discharged as a Lance Corporal in 1961, receiving the Good Conduct Medal and the Marksmanship Award.
Jerry and Sylvia were married on September 2, 1961 at Blessed Agnes Church in Chicago. They moved to Brookfield in 1964. For many years he was an active parishoner at Saint Barbara Parish in Brookfield, where he served as a Catechist, Eucharistic Minister, Minister to the Sick, and Adoration Coordinator.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Sylvia (nee Wuensch) Gauthier; his loving children, Deborah (John) Parisi, Catherine (Steven) Gauthier-Nelson, and Jerome M. Gauthier; his cherished grandchildren, Ryan Parisi, Julia (Austin) Williamson, and Siena Nelson; and remembered fondly by his nephews and nieces.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers and sisters, Lorraine (Frederick) Young, Paul Gauthier, Jeanette (Francis) Paul, and Doris Gauthier, who died two years before he was born.
Visitation will be held on Monday, May 15, 2023 from 3:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at Hitzeman Funeral Home, Ltd. 9445 W. 31st St., Brookfield, IL 60513
4:00 P.M. Divine Mercy Chaplet
6:00 P.M. Prayer Service – all are welcome to share any words of remembrance
Visitation will commence at Hitzeman Funeral Home on Tuesday, May 16, 2023, 9:00 A.M. to 9:30 A.M . Funeral Tuesday 9:30 A.M. to St. Barbara’s Catholic Church, 4008 Prairie Avenue, Brookfield, IL 60513. Mass 10:00 A.M.
Interment Queen of Heaven Cemetery, Hillside.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made payable to Holy Guardian Angels Parish, 4008 Prairie Avenue, Brookfield, IL 60513. In the memo line add St. Barbara Catholic Church,
Information at 708-485-2000 or www.HitzemanFuneral.com
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My wife and I are acquaintances of Jerry’s and Sylvia’s daughter Caton. We’ve had the pleasure of meeting them on a number of occasions, and can’t say enough about what a friendly, accommodating and interesting couple they made. We also greatly admired Jerry’s deer mount which he proudly displayed every time we came by. Jerry had a sophisticated understanding of the outdoors, camping and woodcraft in general, and was always fascinating to talk to. An articulate and tremendously interesting man; my greatest regret is that we didn’t get to spend more time with this wonderful couple and learn from them. We’ll always remember and treasure what time we were able to spend together.