Jerry Francis Poplawski Obituary
Jerry Francis Poplawski, 88, of Rockton, Illinois, passed away on Saturday, May 2, 2026, after a short stay at Autumn Lake Healthcare in Beloit.
Jerry was born on Sunday, November 21, 1937, in Edgar, Wisconsin, the son of Theodore and Margaret (Janick) Poplawski.
Jerry graduated in 1955, from Marshfield High School in Marshfield, Wisconsin. When in middle school he met the love of his life, Sonja Judith Renee Hestekind. They remained sweethearts through middle school and high school. He played basketball, lettered in track and wrestling, and played clarinet in high school, sparking his future love of music. Following graduation Jerry enlisted in the United States Air Force while Sonja attended the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire.
On October 21, 1957, Jerry and Sonja were united in marriage at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Marshfield, Wisconsin. They soon moved to Las Vegas, Nevada, Nellis Air Force Base, where Jerry was stationed. While in Vegas their family grew with the birth of two beautiful daughters, Kim and Kris. Jerry also worked at the Silver Slipper while in Las Vegas where his love for Jazz and Big Band music was born. Following Jerry's honorable discharge from the Air Force, they moved their growing family to South Beloit, Illinois and added a son, Jeffrey and daughter Julie.
It was during this time Jerry's heart was softened to the Lord. During revival services with Jack Yonts, Sr. at Calvary Tabernacle Church, he gave his life to Jesus and was baptized in Jesus' name and filled with the Holy Spirit. He became deeply involved in the church as worship leader, youth leader, Sunday school teacher for the high school class, and in any area he saw a need. He was instrumental in the planning and implementation of the original building at 1907 McKinley, where Calvary Tabernacle still stands.
In 1966 Jerry and Sonja decided it was time to move their growing family to Rockton, Illinois and shortly thereafter, their daughter, Jennifer, came along. While in Rockton, Jerry carried on his mother's tradition of gardening and the family enjoyed an abundance of produce from his garden all year long. He and Sonja canned many varieties of fruits and vegetables. In the 80s they moved to their beloved historic limestone home on Washington St. Jerry worked tirelessly hand chiseling out and re-tuck pointing the entire house, as well as exposing stone walls inside. He was proud of his handiwork. There isn't another stone house in Rockton as beautifully restored, which will stand for many years to come for others to enjoy.
Jerry worked as a millwright at Barber Coleman and then for 34 years at Warner-Lambert in Rockford, Illinois. He was excellent at his job and was even sent to help set up gum machines in Sydney, Australia in the mid 70's. He spent much time fishing on the Great Lakes with friends where he landed a trophy walleye during a trip to Canada. He was a great golfer with a hole-in- one to his credit and even played in a pro-am with golfer Curtis Strange. Jerry loved and played sports of all kinds, and was an avid Wisconsin sports fan...Go Pack! Onward Badgers! Go Crew! His love of fishing, golfing and music extends to his children and grandchildren. He spent many hours watching games with his good friends and talking sports with his grandsons. Jerry, lovingly deemed "Bumpa or Pop-Pop, loved his grandchildren deeply. As each one came along, he loved their snuggles and would play tirelessly with them. They were his pride and joy. Many
of his grandchildren have taken up the clarinet, following in his footsteps. As his grandchildren began to have children, each one melted his heart just a little more. There was little that he wouldn't do to help his grandchildren grow and flourish in life. Thank you dad for loving our children so deeply and being generous with your love to the next generation.
At retirement Jerry and Sonja bought their "cabin on a lake" in Watersmeet, Michigan where he developed a love for cross-country skiing, ice-fishing, chopping wood, and just spending time in the woods and quiet of nature that he loved. The Cabin "Skilodge" brought much fun and adventure to the entire family. Grandchildren swimming, being pulled behind grampa's boat screaming with joy and shock at his wild whiplash turns; hours around the campfire sharing stories and songs; swimming in the lake, and even a pet Bass, "Jimmie"; gramma's great cooking; friends from all over paying visits, and numerous games of 5 Crowns...because it only takes "about an hour." Those were certainly the best of times.
Life took many twists and turns for Jerry. For a while he chose another path, but God never stopped reaching for the 1 sheep of 99. His decision to return to Christ came during a near tragic experience being lost in the woods while deer hunting. God intervened after many hours and sent a dear friend to his rescue. Jerry knew from that day forward that Jesus was still reaching, and Jerry reached back taking hold of his Savior's hand until May 2, when Jesus called him Home. Surrounded by Sonja and several of his children he was peacefully ushered into the heavenlies as they sang those precious hymns he loved, and worshiped Jesus at his bedside.
Jerry is survived by his wife Sonja of 68 years, despite a slight interruption; children, Kim (Rod) Gottfredsen, Kris (Keith) Mandley, Jeffrey (Tammy) Poplawski, Julie (Dan) Powell, and Jennifer (Kimball) Opheim; twelve grandchildren; eighteen great-grandchildren; four great- great-grandchildren; brother, Stanley (Carla) Poplawski; a multitude of very loved nieces and nephews; and life-long friend, Larry Truckenbrod. Jerry was preceded in death by his father who passed away in 1945; mother and stepfather, Margie and Virgil Clark; siblings, Louise Poplawski, Eugene Poplawski, Lorraine Ramthun, Wayne Poplawski, and Theodore Poplawski, "adopted brother," Robert (Bob) Schultz.
Services are Saturday, May 16, 2026 with Visitation at 10:00 a.m., followed by celebration of life service at 12:00 p.m., at Calvary Tabernacle Church, 1907 McKinley Ave., Beloit, Wisconsin 53511. Military honors provided by the Mead-Allen VFW Post 2306 will be presented at the church following the service. Committal will take place at Rockton Township Cemetery following the funeral service. Hansen-Gravitt Funeral Home, Beloit, Wisconsin is honored to be assisting the family. Online condolences can be shared with the family at www.hansengravitt.com
