Gerald (Jerry) Knight died peacefully on December 20, 2025 surrounded by his
family. Jerry was born on January 1, 1940 in Iowa City, Iowa, the son of Theodore
and Garnet (Striley) Knight.
He is survived by his wife of sixty-four years, the former Janice Deem. He is also
survived by his children, Shawn Knight of Islip, New York, and Beth Tadanier
(Chris) of Greenwood Village, Colorado; and three grandchildren, Dillon Knight
(Samantha), Elliott Tadanier, and Amelia Tadanier-Floyd (Thomas).
He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Donald and Robert
Knight.
Jerry graduated from Moline Township High School and was proud to have served
in the United States Navy from 1958 to 1962. He was employed by Magnavox
Corporation in Urbana from 1963 to 1971. He then worked for Illinois Bell
Telephone until his retirement in 1995.
Jerry enjoyed taking things apart and putting them back together. He had a
reputation for being able to fix anything. He also enjoyed making stained glass
windows and lamps which are treasured by family members. He and his wife
enjoyed traveling and participating in Road Scholar programs, and they often
returned to Charleston, South Carolina where they spent their first year of
marriage.
The family would like to thank the staff of the Piatt County Nursing Home, Kirby
Medical Center, and Town Square Hospice for their compassionate care of Jerry
and the kind support afforded his family.