Jerome “Jerry” E. Kuchta, age 91, died at home on Friday, May 26th.

He was born Jerome Edward Kuchta (nickname Jarká) on July 18, 1931 in Oak Park, the son of Jerry “Chief” and Frances (Šterba) Kuchta. Jerry spent his younger days running around Brookfield, IL; he attended St. Barbara’s, Riverside Brookfield, Elmhurst College and Northern Illinois University; and even played professional baseball for the Galveston Whitecaps and the farm team of the Minnesota Twins. During the Korean War, he served in the Army as a linguistics officer stationed in Austria, specializing in German and Italian.

On February 7, 1959 he married Virginia “Ginny” Vokal at St. Alexander’s Church in Villa Park. Together the couple lived in Boundbrook, NJ; Pittsburgh, PA; York Center, IL; and Lombard, IL before settling in Western Springs, IL, all to follow Jerry’s many career experiences in window treatments, book binding, financial printing, outsourcing, among other industries. A charismatic and well respected salesman, Jerry built lasting relationships with everyone he met.

Starting in 1964, the family vacationed each summer in Hayward, WI on Lost Land Lake, where he loved nothing more than “wetting a line.” Jerry was an avid fisherman and golfer, and loved sports of all kinds, but especially the Chicago White Sox. He was also a legendary storyteller, always ready to recount the many adventures of his youth or favorite moments of family or friends. In support of his brother, Richard, Jerry was a board member and highly supportive of Aspire Chicago.

After Ginny’s death in 2013, he continued living in their Western Springs home, summering in Hayward, WI, and wintering in St. Augustine, FL. He was a member of St. John of the Cross Catholic Church and a regular at Cog Hill Golf Course while also traveling the length of IL with his golfing buddies to try all the courses they could find. Jerry was the loving and spirited father of Nancy, Sue (Janet), Gary (Will), and Gail. Devoted and mischievous grandfather of Emily (Brad), Allison (Justin), Laura and Samantha. And adoring, goofy great-grandfather of Jerome. Preceding him in death are his parents, wife Ginny, daughter Mary, and brothers Ronald, Donald, and Richard.

The family of Jerry Kuchta thanks you for your presence, for your thoughts, prayers, and other acts of kindness shown to them.

Visitation 3 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, May 30 at Hallowell & James Funeral Home, 1025 W. 55th St., Countryside, IL 60525. Family & friends will meet at the funeral home for prayers at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, May 31. Procession to St. John of the Cross, Western Springs for 11 a.m. Mass will follow. Interment Queen of Heaven Cemetery, Hillside.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to Young at Heart Home Care ( https://www.youngathearthc.info/socs ) would be appreciated.