1947
Gerald
2025
Gerald Vetter
July 30, 1947 — October 2, 2025
Gerald “Jerry” Vetter
, 78, of Elgin, Illinois, passed away peacefully on October 2, 2025, with the quiet dignity that defined his life.
Born and raised in Chicago, Jerry graduated from St. Laurence High School in 1965. A proud veteran, he served with the U.S. Army’s 101st Airborne Division during the Vietnam War, where he was wounded in combat and subsequently awarded the Purple Heart.
Following his service, Jerry spent over 30 years working for the phone company, known for his deep knowledge of how “the whole system worked.” When asked what he did, he’d simply smile and say, “I make dial tone.”
Jerry loved the outdoors — camping, boating, fishing, and spending time with his family at Lake Shelbyville were among his favorite pastimes. A lifelong Cubs and Bears fan, he celebrated both the 1985 Bears’ Super Bowl win and the Cubs’ 2016 World Series victory with equal excitement.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Rosemary Vetter. He is survived by his daughters Jodi (Steven) Nabor, Jessica Vetter (Joel Bové), and Janet Vetter; his former wife and close friend Joyce Vetter; and his longtime companion and caregiver Paula DeFarno, who cared for him with dedication in his later years. He is also survived by his brothers Thomas Vetter, Dennis Vetter (Steven Howard), and Jeffrey Vetter; and by his beloved grandchildren Anthony and Abigail Nabor.
Jerry will be remembered for his sharp mind, his larger-than-life stories, and his deep pride in his family.
In accordance with his wishes, his cremation was private, and no formal service will be held. A celebration of his life will take place at a later date.
Born and raised in Chicago, Jerry graduated from St. Laurence High School in 1965. A proud veteran, he served with the U.S. Army’s 101st Airborne Division during the Vietnam War, where he was wounded in combat and subsequently awarded the Purple Heart.
Following his service, Jerry spent over 30 years working for the phone company, known for his deep knowledge of how “the whole system worked.” When asked what he did, he’d simply smile and say, “I make dial tone.”
Jerry loved the outdoors — camping, boating, fishing, and spending time with his family at Lake Shelbyville were among his favorite pastimes. A lifelong Cubs and Bears fan, he celebrated both the 1985 Bears’ Super Bowl win and the Cubs’ 2016 World Series victory with equal excitement.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Rosemary Vetter. He is survived by his daughters Jodi (Steven) Nabor, Jessica Vetter (Joel Bové), and Janet Vetter; his former wife and close friend Joyce Vetter; and his longtime companion and caregiver Paula DeFarno, who cared for him with dedication in his later years. He is also survived by his brothers Thomas Vetter, Dennis Vetter (Steven Howard), and Jeffrey Vetter; and by his beloved grandchildren Anthony and Abigail Nabor.
Jerry will be remembered for his sharp mind, his larger-than-life stories, and his deep pride in his family.
In accordance with his wishes, his cremation was private, and no formal service will be held. A celebration of his life will take place at a later date.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Gerald Vetter, please visit our flower store.
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