Jerome L. Weistart

Jerome L. Weistart, our beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather, and great-grandfather passed away peacefully in his home in Chillicothe, Illinois on November 6, 2023, at the age of 89.  He is survived by his wife, Emma Jean Weistart, who he married 68 years ago on June 12, 1955.  He is also survived by his children, Jerry Weistart, Scott Weistart and wife Rosa, Karen Hornick and husband Brett, and Jennifer Jotch and husband Dwayne.  Jerome was blessed with six grandchildren, Monica Carter and husband Anthony, Kate Ramos and husband Edwin, Alex Weistart, Briton Hornick, Ryan Hornick, and Eric Jotch along with two great-grandchildren, Gabriel and Veronica Carter.  He is also survived by brothers, Barth Weistart, John Weistart and wife Denise, and sister-in law Rosemary Weistart.  Jerome was born in Minonk, Illinois on February 23, 1934, to Frank Weistart and wife Verna Barth Weistart who preceded him in death along with brothers David Weistart and James Weistart.

Education and basketball were important to Jerome.  He graduated from Illinois Wesleyan University and played basketball in the minor league.  After working in Chicago for KW Battery Works, he moved to Chillicothe and worked for Princeville Canning Company.  Jerome was known for his take charge attitude and financial prowess and became a banker by profession.  In his working years, he contributed to his community and served as financial adviser to St. Mark Lutheran Church and Illinois Valley Central School District No. 321.  As a child, Jerome had fond memories of his grandfather’s farm.  Through that memory, he and Emma Jean purchased farmland and started their own farming operation which is thriving today.

Services will be held at St. Mark Lutheran Church in Chillicothe, Illinois on Friday, November 10, 2023 at 11am.  A visitation will take place prior to the service on Thursday, November 9, 2023 from 5pm to 7pm at Weber-Hurd Funeral Home in Chillicothe as well as on Friday from 10am to 11am at the church.  Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mark Lutheran Church, Chillicothe, Illinois.