Gerald D. "Jerry" Ferguson, 76, of Caseyville, Ill., born December 11, 1937, in Grosse Pointe, Mich., passed away at 1:40 p.m. Wednesday, August 6, 2014, at Memorial Hospital in Belleville, Ill., ending a long courageous battle with cancer.

He retired from Granite City Steel where he had worked for 33 years as a member of United Steelworkers of America. He was a member of Washington Park VFW and Caseyville Polish American War Veterans. He was also a brilliant carpenter. He enjoyed surfing the internet and making things with his hands. He always enjoyed family and the outdoors " boating, fishing, camping, and hunting.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Wade and Mary, nee Zagar, Ferguson; three sons, Lee Rives, Wade Gerald Ferguson, Bobby Joe Rives; one daughter, Christine Rives; and one granddaughter, Crystal N. Rives.

Surviving are his wife Georgia, nee Johnson, Ferguson, whom he married on April 25, 1970 in Washington Park, Ill.; six children, Robin (Ralph) Vesci of Maryville, Ill., Vicki Ferguson-Wegrzyn of Granite City, Ill., Cindi Ferguson of DeSoto, Mo., Zella Rives of St. Louis, Mo., Dwayne Rives of St. Louis, Mo., and Mark Rives of Belleville, Ill.; and one brother, William "Bill" (Judy) Ferguson of Caseyville, Ill. He is also survived by many grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was loved by many and will be greatly missed.

In our hearts you will forever be.

Memorials may be made to the charity of donor''s choice. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.herrfuneral.com.

Visitation: Friends may call from 2 to 6 p.m. Saturday, August 9, 2014, at Herr Funeral Home, Caseyville, Ill.

Funeral: Funeral service will be held at 6 p.m. Saturday, August 9, 2014, at Herr Funeral Home Caseyville, Ill.