Jerry Reed

Cramazing husband to Erin Burke!

Devoted stepfather to Michael (Kathleen) Schumacher and Shay (Mario) Baregi. Beloved brother-in-law of Kelly & Jim Michie, Tammi & Steve Dawson, and Dawn & Kurt Irelan. “Funcle” to the Michie, Dawson, and Ireland “Kids” and their children. Cherished friend to all who knew him, with special mention to the IFO’s and the wide arrange of wonderful souls who have become “Framily”. Much valued coworker to many, all of whom he loved and revered!

Jerry Reed was a beautiful man and an amazing human being who meant so much to so many! We all should feel grateful and blessed that we were able to have his amazing soul in our lives! Jerry was born in Paris, AR, and grew up in Las Vegas, NV, and Niles, Il. He served 3 tours in Vietnam as an Army Ranger, “earning” himself 3 Purple Stars and 2 Bronze Hearts ~ all between the ages of 17-20 years old! Jerry was a well-respected and much-admired businessman who spent most of his professional life in the hydraulics industry, having just retired from his position as Sales Manager at Bucher Hydraulics on December 31, 2025, after 19 years of service.

Beyond that, where do you even begin to describe the man that was Jerry Reed? He was one of a kind, that’s for sure! He lived a thousand lifetimes in one and many have said that if ever a movie were made of his life it would certainly be a successful blockbuster! Jerry was a gentleman, and Jerry was a bad ass! He was sharp, and smart, and he was witty and funny! He was compassionate and understanding, he was kind and he was generous! Jerry was a teacher and a leader, yet he was always a student of the world. He was a listener, and he was a story teller! He had a great laugh!

Jerry and the Love of his Life, Erin, met while working at Parker Hannifin and their beautiful love affair began on August 4, 2004. Jerry quickly became a loved and adored member of Erin’s family and together they would come to be known as JEMS (Jerry, Erin, Michael, and Shay). Jerry was a “Johnny on the spot” father to Michael and Shay! From early morning hockey practices, to last night hockey games. From chaperoning field trips and school dances, to hosting class parties and attending choral concerts, art fairs, parent/teacher conferences, every softball game and every hockey game and tournament ~ Jerry was there for his kids in every way shape and form. He loved them fairly and bestowed wisdom and knowledge upon them throughout their lifetimes.  Concerts, Game Nights, and Backyard Parties were some of their favorite pastimes together.

Jerry and Erin had a love that was true, deep, and unconditional! They were the best of friends, and each other’s greatest supporter and admirer. Their love exuded from them consumed those around them. They had so much fun together and they Lived Happily Ever After! Jerry had just celebrated his 75 th birthday with family and friends a couple of weeks ago and commemorated his and Erin’s 22 nd anniversary on Tuesday, August 4, with a wonderful dinner and an amazing evening together. On Wednesday, August 5, they spent their day in downtown Chicago, going on an architectural river cruise and enjoying Navy Pier. They had a wonderful day; he was in great spirits and felt fine.

In the early morning hours of Thursday, August 6, Jerry became extremely ill and after a few hours of seeing whether it “would pass” Erin took him to the emergency room where they immediately put him on an IV and admitted him. On Friday morning Jerry had extreme abdominal pain and after performing an MRI he was taken into emergency surgery. During the surgery they found out that his gallbladder was necrotic, which essentially means it had suffered irreversible damage. Upon bringing him back to his room in the ICU they kept him intubated so he never really “woke up” after surgery. They had a difficult time getting him stabilized and let us know that he probably wouldn’t make it through the night. The kids and I were there, and we had time to tell him how much we love him and how incredibly blessed we were that he came into our lives.

Jerry passed away around 11:00pm on Friday, August 7, 2026, surround by his family. The official cause of death is Mixed Shock with Organ Failure and Diffuse Peritonitis/Sepsis. Jerry’s family is devastated and overwhelmed but are trying to concentrate on how blessed they were to have him in their lives and appreciate the fact that he did not suffer for too long and that they were able to be with him when he left this earthly plane.

Arrangements are being prepared for a Celebration of Life to be held sometime in the next few months. Once the plans are finalized, they will be posted on this obituary. Please check back for details.

Jerry’s family realizes how much he meant to so many people around the world and would like all who loved him to know that they feel your love and support and they send their love and condolences back to you as they are well aware that Jerry’s passing is an enormous loss to everyone who knew and loved him. If you would like to honor Jerry, please do something nice for someone else, help a stranger, be kind to an animal, work hard, play hard, enjoy your friends and family, and treat each other with love and respect! …

… then have a shot of tequila and raise a toast to the amazing man we knew and loved ~ the late, great Jerry Reed! Slainte!

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to a favorite charity, a local animal shelter, a Veteran’s charity, or make a donation to Jerry’s family through the funeral home ~ Sax-Tiedemann Funeral Home, 9568 Belmont Avenue, Franklin Park, IL, 60131.