Gerald Roy Seagren, 87, of Poplar Grove, Illinois, died. surrounded by family, on January 5, 2026.
Gerald (Jerry) was born on November 15, 1938, the son of Roy and Miriam (Stephens) Seagren. He attended Elgin High School, where he was voted captain of the State Champion football team. He later graduated from Iowa State University as a civil engineer, and served honorably in the United States Army. During that time, he married Thelma Mae Robbins, who blessed his life with four children.
Returning home from the Army, Jerry became a skilled and respected general contractor for 50 years—he built trust, community, and lasting friendships through his work. He was a proud volunteer with Habitat for Humanity, always willing to support others.
Jerry’s other interests encompassed farm life and all things Chicago sports. He was truly a farmer at heart. In spare time, Jerry raised cattle, planted gardens, and embraced everything that came with farming life. He eventually passed many of these same passions on to his grandchildren. He was also an avid Chicago sports fan - Bears, Hawks, Bulls, Cubs. Faithfully cheering for the Bears among family every season.
Gerald is survived by his children: Jeff (Toni) Seagren, Darby (Richard) Jochum, JoDee Seagren, and Doug (Kim) Seagren; by his 12 grandchildren: Roger (Amy), Kalyn (Keith), Andy, Conrad (Kacey), Jannel (Joshua), Jonathan (Stephanie), Carson, Riley, Croy, Maggie (Jacob), Zander, and Bodyn; and by his two great-grandchildren, Andrew and Ilsa.
He was preceded in death by Thelma, and his sister, Nancy Joyce.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, January 11, 2026, from Noon until 2:00 p.m., with a service at 2:00 p.m., all at DeFiore Funeral Home, 10763 Dundee Road, Huntley. Burial will be private at Mt. Hope Cemetery.
For further information, please contact the funeral home at 847-515-8772. Online condolences may be directed to www.defiorefuneral.com.
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So very sorry for your loss.
I so enjoyed many good times with Jerry and Kathy for the last 17 years. He was so kind. I miss him already.
So, sorry for your loss my condolences to you and your family. Your father/brother was a very nice man. lots of hugs to you all
We will miss Jerry so very much. He was my sister Kathy’s love of her life for 17 years. They spent so much time together traveling, Volunteering at their church and enjoying biking and outdoor activities. He was so much a part of our family and will truly be missed. We love you Jerry💖
Jerry came into our lives 17 years ago but will never ever be forgotten. He was much more than my Mothers life partner, he was a father to me and a grandfather to my kids. I will miss his infectious smile, and stories everyday. Please help out our Bears if you can while your up there in Heaven and give Lander and big wet kiss for me.
so sorry to hear of Jerrys passing always loved to hear abut he and Kathys travels and adventures I am sure he will be missed by all that knew and loved him! Kathy we are very sorry for the loss of your life partner
Sending our sympathies to Doug Kim Croy Maggie Zander Bo and the entire family. May he rest in peace and may the Lord give you all peace as well. Psalm 91:4 Under His wings, you will find refuge
Jerry was such a wonderful addition to our family! Holidays will never been the same without him. He was one heck of a bonus grandpa to me, my brothers, my cousins and even my own children. Him and my son (Elek) could build puzzles all day! Our Dominican trip together will never be forgotten! From hosting our wedding shower at his home, to building race tracks in the backyard for my brother, babysitting our kids, and so much more, Jerry treated us like family throughout our time together. We miss you so much, already, Jerry! I sure am so grateful for our last Thanksgiving together! We love you!
Jerry has always been such a joy and blessing to have in our family. So many wonderful years of holidays, birthdays, parties, travels, farm time and so much more. I am so very grateful for the time I had with him. His patience, kindness, calmness, and gentle heart made him such a pleasure to be with. I'm sure he is running the fields with his beloved dog Lander, who was his sidekick and farm partner for many years?. We will always miss you Jerry! ♥️😇
I’m absolutely devastated by this loss. Not only was Jerry the love of my grandmas life, but an incredible bonus grandpa as well towards my brother and me. Jerry made a lot of my childhood dreams come true. Running down to the chickens in the morning, swimming in the pond with lander (after he told me not to) sneaking into the pasture with the cows to feed them (also after he told me not to) and all the times camping and calling him to bring me and my friend down a pizza. Jerry had the biggest heart, the most patient, kind and loving soul. Thank you for joining us on all the Disney adventures, and for making my pancakes shaped like Mickey Mouse. Thank you for burying my chicken I cried over, and turning the woods into a bunch of four wheeling trails. Most importantly, thank you for loving my gramma unconditionally. Traveling the world with her, the endless Dominican trips, bike rides, game nights, bowling and so much more! I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I really hope the bears win this weekend just for you, Jerry!
So very sorry to learn of Jerry’s passing. Losing one’s parent is never easy and a time filled with memories. Hugs, blessing n prayers over you.
I was so sorry to learn of Jerry's passing. We worked together for many years with Habitat for Humanity of Boone County. He was a great man.
Dear JoDee and family, Our hearts are with you. Meeting your dad was a joy and everything you said he was. We are sorry for your loss. May you continue to enjoy the heart of what your parents gave you all…Bless you all. Love Anne and The Kids.