Jerry Lee Tetzlaff

Jerry Lee Tetzlaff, 73, of South Jacksonville, passed away in the early morning of Saturday, November 30th, 2024.

He was born to Harry and Daisy Tetzlaff on February 7th, 1951, and grew up on a farm in South Bend,IN. Jerry was the youngest of fourteen children and loved his family dearly. He enjoyed being mischievous throughout his childhood with his three buddies, Tom, Butch, and Gary.

He married the love of his life, Cherrie Lee Sass, on June 26, 1971, in Iowa City. They were married a total of 53 years.

Jerry had a remarkable career in basketball. Most notably, he spent his college years playing basketball at Ellsworth College and Memphis State University (now known as the University of Memphis). He was inducted into the Hall of Fame at Ellsworth College for his achievements. At Ellsworth, he led his team to win the NJCAA championship. Jerry went on to play in the NCAA championship game during his time at Memphis State University.

Jerry worked for many years and retired from JCPenney, where he enjoyed meeting new people. He was well known for being friendly with everyone he encountered and would strike up a conversation with anyone.

Jerry was the life of the party wherever he went, despite any age differences. Well known for his unique sense of humor, he had a way of making everyone laugh. He had a passion for spending time with his friends and family, playing basketball, traveling with Cherrie, shopping at garage sales, and gardening in his backyard.

He is survived by his wife Cherrie Tetzlaff; his children Corey (Vince) Stewart, Brandy (Jesse) Hayes, and Scott Tetzlaff. His most favorite title was “Po” to his ten grandchildren: Mackenzie, Jayci, and Evan (Stewart), Riley, Saylor, Ryder, Maddux, and Grayson (Hayes), Ziara and Arieona (Tetzlaff); and two great-grandchildren Sawyer and Millie (Hayes). Jerry enjoyed telling each of his children and grandchildren that they were his number one, and they all believed it.

He was preceded in death by his parents and nine siblings; four siblings survive: Gene, Alice, Janice, Ardie.

Jerry’s impact on the lives of those around him was profound, and he will be remembered as a one-of-a-kind man with a heart full of love, laughter, and kindness. He formed many long-lasting friendships and considered many of those friends his family.

Memorial contributions are suggested to his beloved wife, Cherrie Tetzlaff. A celebration of life is being planned for January 4th, 2025 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the American Legion (903 W. Superior Ave., Jacksonville, IL 62650).