Jerry L. Heleine

Jerry L. Heleine, 63, of West York, IL passed away 3:20 PM Tuesday, Sept. 16,2025 in the comfort of his home following a long and hard fought illness. Jerry was born April 12, 1962 at Robinson, IL, the son of John Raymond Heleine Jr. and Eva Dale Cornwell Heleine. On Nov 13, 1993 he married Dana Jones at the Ohio Chapel, rural West Union, IL and she survives. Also surviving are three daughters, Anna (Chase Brendal) Heleine, Amber Heleine and Alise Jones Poettker; grandchildren, Lyric RyLee, Deacon (Jeada) Jones, Gunnar Poettker, Fisher Poettker and Ellianna Poettker; step grandchildren, Hunter Poettker and Charli Poettker and one great grandchild, Willow Jones. He is also survived by one sister and two brothers; several nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers. He was a member of Labor Local #1197, employed by Melrose Twp. as a laborer and was always willing to help a neighbor or stranger, no matter what was needed to be done and taught his children and grandchildren to do the same. He was in charge of the grave openings of many area cemeteries, a position he was very respectful and was very proud of the method he used to open and close graves. Tom McClanahan of WTWO did a feature on the local news about his abilities of opening and closing graves which he did by hand, which is now a lost art in most areas of the country. A 1981 graduate of Hutsonville High School, he was known for being a prankster at school which he continued throughout his life. In his spare time, Jerry loved to mushroom hunt, fish and hunt, but most of all, he loved his family. Visitation will be 5-7 PM Monday at the West Union Baptist Church. Services in honor of his life will be 11:00 AM Tuesday at the church with Pastor Art Orndorff officiating. Burial will follow in the Medsker Cemetery. Visitation will also be one-hour prior the service at the church on Tuesday. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made directly to the family in care of Pearce Funeral Home. Jerry lived a life that he was satisfied with and his motto was always “You Are Only As Good As Your Word”. He will be missed by many. Online condolences are being accepted at pearcefuneralsrevices.com.