Obituaries
Obituary for Gerald A. Caldwell
Peoria- Gerald Allan Caldwell, age 72, of Peoria, passed away at 5:10 PM on Tuesday, December 29, 2020 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center.
Born July 16, 1948 in Parsons, KS, a sibling of five, to Clarence Milton and Mildred Marie (Norrick) Caldwell. After high school he attended Kansas University. On December 16, 1972 he married Coleen Meier in Roeland Park, KS and together they cherished 48 years. Gerald worked for Tandy Leather Company as a retail sales manager for many years, as well as a baker for both Le Bakery and Trefzgers. After his retirement Gerald continued baking for Peoria Bread Company. He was well known for his famous cinnamon rolls which he sold for charity during the holidays. Gerald enjoyed woodworking, leather working, camping and fishing. He was actively involved with the Boy Scouts of America and was also a member of the Illinois Valley Leather Guild. Most importantly though, Gerald lived live with a spirit of generosity and love for making people happy. He will always be remembered for having an educator’s heart, in that he was always willing to teach. Gerald cherished the times spent with his family especially his granddaughters whom he loved spoiling. He was loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle who was cherished and deeply loved.
Survivors include his wife Coleen of Peoria; two daughters: Kimberly Rea (Nathaniel) Wildebuer of St. Paul, MN and Jennifer Jo (Ronald Rosenbaum) Zilch of Peoria; two granddaughters: Esther Violet and Leora Jane Wildebuer; as well as multiple nieces and nephews.
Gerald was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters: Elaine, Lillian and Martha, and one brother Clarence Jr.
Cremation rights have been accorded and a Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, March 13, 2021 at Wright & Salmon Mortuary, with a one hour prior visitation also at the mortuary. Pastor Linda Vonck will officiate.
Memorials in Gerald’s memory may be made to Jubilee College, Prospect United Methodist Church or Boy Scouts of America.
Friends and family may sign the online guestbook or send private condolences by logging onto www.wrightandsalmon.com.
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Born July 16, 1948 in Parsons, KS, a sibling of five, to Clarence Milton and Mildred Marie (Norrick) Caldwell. After high school he attended Kansas University. On December 16, 1972 he married Coleen Meier in Roeland Park, KS and together they cherished 48 years. Gerald worked for Tandy Leather Company as a retail sales manager for many years, as well as a baker for both Le Bakery and Trefzgers. After his retirement Gerald continued baking for Peoria Bread Company. He was well known for his famous cinnamon rolls which he sold for charity during the holidays. Gerald enjoyed woodworking, leather working, camping and fishing. He was actively involved with the Boy Scouts of America and was also a member of the Illinois Valley Leather Guild. Most importantly though, Gerald lived live with a spirit of generosity and love for making people happy. He will always be remembered for having an educator’s heart, in that he was always willing to teach. Gerald cherished the times spent with his family especially his granddaughters whom he loved spoiling. He was loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle who was cherished and deeply loved.
Survivors include his wife Coleen of Peoria; two daughters: Kimberly Rea (Nathaniel) Wildebuer of St. Paul, MN and Jennifer Jo (Ronald Rosenbaum) Zilch of Peoria; two granddaughters: Esther Violet and Leora Jane Wildebuer; as well as multiple nieces and nephews.
Gerald was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters: Elaine, Lillian and Martha, and one brother Clarence Jr.
Cremation rights have been accorded and a Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, March 13, 2021 at Wright & Salmon Mortuary, with a one hour prior visitation also at the mortuary. Pastor Linda Vonck will officiate.
Memorials in Gerald’s memory may be made to Jubilee College, Prospect United Methodist Church or Boy Scouts of America.
Friends and family may sign the online guestbook or send private condolences by logging onto www.wrightandsalmon.com.
Previous Events
Visitation
Saturday
13
Mar
10:00 AM
- 11:00 AM
Wright & Salmon Mortuary
2416 N North St
Peoria, IL 61604
Memorial Service
Saturday
13
Mar
11:00 AM
Wright & Salmon Mortuary
2416 N North St
Peoria, IL 61604
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