Gerald L. Bettis

Gerald L. Bettis, 69, of Port Byron, Illinois, died unexpectedly on Wednesday, December 28, 2016, at the University of Iowa Hospital, Iowa City.

Services are 3:00 p.m. Saturday in the Horizon Room at Trimble Funeral Home at Trimble Pointe, 701 12th Street, Moline. Visitation is 1:00 p.m. until service time. Cremation will take prior to services at Trimble Crematory. Memorials may be made to the family.

Jerry was born July 5, 1947, in Albia, Iowa, the son of Wendell and Rosella (Stavcevic) Bettis. He served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. He married Pearl Alleman in 1994.

He worked for John Deere Harvester for 42 years, retiring in 2008. Being such a hard worker his entire life, Jerry went on to work for the Silvis Walmart immediately after retiring.

Jerry loved being outdoors, whether it be riding his bicycle, running, or tending to his yard. He was a member of the Corn Belt Running Club and ran many marathons and races over the years. His yard was always the envy of the neighborhood.

He is survived by his wife, Pearl; two children, Nicole Bettis of Colona, and Jeremy (Amber) Bettis of Hampton; two step-children, Jason Wates of Matherville, and Christopher Wates of Milan; two grandchildren, Jenna and Haylie Bettis; four step-grandchildren, Savage, Dominic, Ari James, and Summer Rae Wates; siblings, Zella (Dan) Orendorff of Grant City, Missouri, James (Jayne) Bettis of Peosta, Iowa, and Marlene (Bob) Phillips of Milan; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; and siblings, Wayne and Joyce Bettis, and Mary Jo Johnson.

Visit Jerry's personal tribute page at www.TrimbleFuneralHomes.com to share stories and condolences, and light a candle in his memory.