Jerome "Jerry" Thacker

Jerome M. “Jerry” “Yacky” Thacker, 92, of Streator passed away Sunday, November 23, 2025 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center, Peoria.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM Saturday, December 6, 2025 at Hagi & Schultz Funeral Home, Streator, with Pastor John Gutz officiating. Burial will follow in Hillcrest Memorial Park, Streator. Cremation rites have been accorded. Visitation will be held from 12:00 to 2:00 PM Saturday at the funeral home.

Jerry was the youngest child born to Lloyd and Anna (Chirlik) Thacker on June 5, 1933 in Streator. He attended Sherman School and was a paperboy for several years starting at a young age. He married Marilyn A. Jerue on June 6, 1954 in Streator. She preceded him in death on July 30, 2011.

Jerry is survived by a daughter, Doreen (Kevin) Skaggs of Streator; a son, Mark Thacker of Las Vegas; 4 grandchildren, Missy (Kurt) Cook, Kelli (Aaron) Hollenbeck, and Kevin and Scott Skaggs; 11 great grandchildren; and 13 great great grandchildren. Also surviving is a sister-in-law, Martha (the late Clarence) Thacker; a cousin, Bernice Sellers; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Marilyn; his parents, Lloyd and Anna; two sisters, Marcella (Alex) DeGuido and Darlene Hellerman; three brothers, Robert, Clarence and Lloyd (Eve) Thacker; and a great granddaughter.

Jerry was a member of the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Streator. He was baptized on June 25, 1933 and confirmed on March 21, 1948.

He was a member of the Iron Workers Union Local 386 in LaSalle for 38 years. Jerry helped work on constructing many buildings in Streator and surrounding areas, including St. Mary’s Hospital in 1961, Streator High School Addition, Centennial School, and Everett Towers, just to name a few. Jerry also welded trailer hitches on vehicles at Don Stith’s Trailer Sales and Service for several years. He was a member of the Streator YMCA, where he was very active.

Jerry was known to take the role of supervisor on many family home projects. He enjoyed his trips with Marilyn to Las Vegas every June. If you knew Jerry in his younger years, he would want you to have a drink with a friend. In his senior years, he would want you to have a cup of coffee and BS with a friend.

Jerry was loved by many and will surely be missed.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church or a charity of the donor’s choice.