Gerald J. Vanderhyden "Jerry", age 86 of Elwood, IL, passed away peacefully at his home on March 22, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Survived by his wife of 66 years, Edith "Edie" Vanderhyden (nee Lee), whom he married on October 10, 1959, his children Peggy Mandac, Brenda (Mike) Medlin, Linda Vanderhyden, and Janet Vanderhyden, grandchildren Jason (Lisa) Mandac, Josh (Jamie) Mandac, Jenny (Eric) Wollenzien, Jerilyn (Mike) Favero, Stephanie (Anthony) Arseneau, Jeremiah Medlin, Natalie (Shawn) Brooks, Haley (Will Jarrett) Medlin, Zachary (Jaclyn) Sartori, Erin (Justin Hylton) Sartori, Jacob Vickery, Nick (Katie) Grygiel, Emily (Kyle) Dearth, Luke (Nicolle) Grygiel, and Logan (Hailey Huml) Grygiel, great grandchildren Peyton, Max, J.T., Abby, Hayden, Alyssa, Amelia, Hunter, Analee, Charlee, Lyndee, Remee, Dean, Elizabeth, Eddie, Cole, Kate, Hank, Shirley, Clay, Makenzi, Owen, Walker, Jack, Elly, Lexi, Aubree, Ember, Edie, Raelynn, Lincoln, and Harrison, sister-in-law Kathleen (James) Walsh, and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his parents Ralph and Marie (nee Culo) Vanderhyden, siblings Rich Vanderhyden, Freddy Vanderhyden, Lois Neighbors, Mabel Fuse, James Vanderhyden, and two brothers in infancy.

Jerry graduated from Joliet Township High School. He earned and maintained a lifelong reputation of being a workaholic. He formed, owned, and operated his own company, Vanderhyden Septic Service, for over 50 years. Additionally, he was known and loved as a jack of all trades and master of all, a title that was tried and true. When he had the chance, he loved going out to the gambling boat and thoroughly enjoyed the trips he made out to Vegas. A devoted husband, dad, grandpa, great grandpa, uncle, and brother who will be dearly missed by all who loved and cherished him.

Per Jerry's wishes, cremation will take place and no services will be held. Arrangements entrusted to Forsythe Gould Funeral Home, 507 S. State St., Manhattan, IL 60442, 815-478-3321, www.forsythegouldfh.com