Very sad news

Our dear friend, Jerry Hochberger, passed away last Monday. Becky called us soon after he died and left a voicemail message on Ellen's cell phone, but we didn't see it until Tuesday. His death does not come as a surprise - we visited him in Sherman Hospital on Wednesday, August 30th, and while he talked about being discharged to a rehab center, we sensed that life and death hung in the balance. I called him from Vermont on Sept. 15th - his birthday - and he had a hard time speaking. He died three days later. I am so glad that we made it to Elgin before turning back home, and actually got to spend time with him. He has been such a delightful friend, especially over the past two decades when Ellen and I started making regular trips to Wyoming, and we always stayed with Maggie and Jerry, on our way out to Wyoming and usually coming back as well. Jerry was a wonderful host and always made us feel so welcome, and often helped us deal with little problems we might be having at the moment. We are going to miss him very much. Maggie is bravely staying slone at the house - as she says, she is used to being along because he has been in the hospital so much - but there is talk of Becky possibly coming to live with her eventually. His memorial service will be on Sept 30th, the same day as Savanna's service, so we will not be there. I think we would try to drive out for it if at all possible otherwise. It will be held at the Calvary Episcopal Church in Batavia, IL that he and Maggie attend, with "Father Mike" officiating. Ellen and I have worshipped there many times, and have sung in the choir. Farewell, Jerry - we love you!

Gerald "Jerry" Hochberger (September 15, 1942-September 18, 2023)