Our classmate, Eric Seib, alerted me to Jerry's passing. I didn't know Jerry, but we shared a passion for orange Camaros: his a '69 Z-28; mine a 2010 SS. His online obituary sums up Jerry's life:
Gerard "Jerry" David DeZutel, age 74, ofWest Chicago, IL, passed away on March 25th, 2026 at Central DuPage Hospital. He was born on July 7th, 1951 inElmhurst, IL to the late Charles & Mary Code DeZutel. Gerard was the youngest of four brothers, including: Charles "Chuck," the late Edward "Peewee," and the late Joe. Gerard was also an uncle to many beloved nieces and nephews.
Gerard had many jobs throughout his life but cars and cabins were his main passion. There were many restorations under his belt. The most prominent were the family restorations of a Hugger Orange 1969 Z-28 Chevy Camaro, a Marina Blue 1972 Chevy Nova, and cozy country cabin in Wisconsin. While he did have a whimsical side to him, the majority of Gerard's life was anchored in steadfast hard work with a reputation to be reliable to all who called upon him in time of need. He is survived by his wife Diana, his children Jason & Justin, and his grandchildren Emberlyn & Aspyn. We will all miss him.
He leaves behind a legacy his family will carry forward. He taught his sons the value of a strong will through the embodiment of patience and perseverance and of when to forge forward and when to walk away for perspective and understanding. From self-performed automotive maintenance to homesteading skills, he passed on many lessons of the best and worst practices that have and will stand the test of time.
I'm so sorry to hear of Jerry's passing. I did not know him, but I respect him for the hard worker he was and the good work ethics he passed on to his children.May God bless his family members and give them peace.
So sorry to if another classmate passing. Although I didn't know him it sounds like he had a wonderful life and was a hard worker, especially is his love and work on cars and cabins.
I remember Jerry very well especially from grade school. I seem to recall that he lived near Steve Cvicker and went to Spaldling along with many of us, Eric Seib and me included. Jerry was always a good guy, often funny and cutting up, a little goofy in the best way. Eric, did you keep in touch with Jerry over the years?
Scott Zapel
Our classmate, Eric Seib, alerted me to Jerry's passing. I didn't know Jerry, but we shared a passion for orange Camaros: his a '69 Z-28; mine a 2010 SS. His online obituary sums up Jerry's life:
Gerard "Jerry" David DeZutel, age 74, of West Chicago, IL, passed away on March 25th, 2026 at Central DuPage Hospital. He was born on July 7th, 1951 in Elmhurst, IL to the late Charles & Mary Code DeZutel. Gerard was the youngest of four brothers, including: Charles "Chuck," the late Edward "Peewee," and the late Joe. Gerard was also an uncle to many beloved nieces and nephews.
Gerard had many jobs throughout his life but cars and cabins were his main passion. There were many restorations under his belt. The most prominent were the family restorations of a Hugger Orange 1969 Z-28 Chevy Camaro, a Marina Blue 1972 Chevy Nova, and cozy country cabin in Wisconsin. While he did have a whimsical side to him, the majority of Gerard's life was anchored in steadfast hard work with a reputation to be reliable to all who called upon him in time of need. He is survived by his wife Diana, his children Jason & Justin, and his grandchildren Emberlyn & Aspyn. We will all miss him.
He leaves behind a legacy his family will carry forward. He taught his sons the value of a strong will through the embodiment of patience and perseverance and of when to forge forward and when to walk away for perspective and understanding. From self-performed automotive maintenance to homesteading skills, he passed on many lessons of the best and worst practices that have and will stand the test of time.
Marsha Virene (Matthews)
I'm so sorry to hear of Jerry's passing. I did not know him, but I respect him for the hard worker he was and the good work ethics he passed on to his children.May God bless his family members and give them peace.
Jean "Frosty" Pengelly (Lay)
So sorry to if another classmate passing. Although I didn't know him it sounds like he had a wonderful life and was a hard worker, especially is his love and work on cars and cabins.
Jeffrey "Jeff" Garvin
I remember Jerry very well especially from grade school. I seem to recall that he lived near Steve Cvicker and went to Spaldling along with many of us, Eric Seib and me included. Jerry was always a good guy, often funny and cutting up, a little goofy in the best way. Eric, did you keep in touch with Jerry over the years?
John Simanton
Another classmate will be missed!