Obituary: Gerald "Jerry" W. Fisher (1945-2021)

Gerald "Jerry" W. Fisher, 76, of Roscoe passed away Wednesday, July 7, 2021, in Meriter Hospital, Madison, Wis., after a short illness. He served as principal at Harlem High School from 1994 until he retired in 2003 after 29 years with the Harlem Consolidated School District, beginning in 1970. He is remembered by many as a teacher, coach, assistant principal and principal. He was proud of his legacy at Harlem, including the Pride Program and the high school renovation and expansion project.

Mr. Fisher was born May 20, 1945, in Rockford, the son of Willard Ronald and Helen C. (Johnson) Fisher. He graduated from East High School in 1963 and received the BS, Masters, and CAS degrees from Northern Illinois University. He married Jan De Decker in 1976.

Jerry loved golfing, fishing, competing in the Masters Walleye Circuit, landscaping, gardening and nature and wildlife photography. He was involved in several local clubs, including Walleyes Unlimited and Ducks Unlimited. Jerry was especially proud of completing a fish restoration project on Pierce Lake at Rock Cut State Park with the Rock Valley Anglers. He was an avid Bears, Bulls, Cubs and local high school sports fan. Anyone who knew Jerry has probably been "entertained" by his many long stories – so long and detailed!

Survivors include his wife, Jan; sons, Erik (Edith) Fisher and Mark (Vanessa) Fisher; grandchildren, Olivia and Lukas; sister, Janice; nieces, Andrea and Paige; nephew, Kameron; cousins, Ray, Dick and Barbara; and canine companion, Cooper. He was predeceased by his parents; parents-in-law and aunt, Evelyn.

A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, July 22, 2021, in Delehanty Funeral Home, Ltd., 401 River Lane, Loves Park, with private family inurnment in Willwood Burial Park. Visitation will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, July 21, 2021, in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, you may contribute to the Harlem Scholarship Fund  or the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.