Jerold Touchette

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Jerold Paul Touchette, 83, of Smithton, IL, born December 5, 1937, in East St. Louis, IL, died Friday, January 8, 2021, at his residence.

Mr. Touchette was a 1955 graduate of Assumption High School, East St. Louis, IL.  He was employed by Westerheide Sheet Metal for more than 40 years and was a proud member of the Sheet Metal Workers Local 268 retirees.

An active member of the Smithton community, Jerry was a member and president of the Richland Investment Club and served as an election judge. He received certificates of appreciation from the Hospice of Southern Illinois and the American Legion, Stookey Post 1255.  He was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church and served on the school board, was a member of the men’s club, and served on several picnic committees within the parish.

Jerry was an avid hunter and fisherman which he instilled in his family. He made sure his buddies always had a place to deer hunt, taking them to the family cabin. His bluegill fishing had no parallel. Jerry was told by his friends that his competitive nature brought out the best in them.

He belonged to many leagues and clubs, including euchre, pool, horseshoes, bowling, fast-pitch softball, slow pitch softball and beer leagues. He received a ring and plaque for bowling 300 during league play. He was most proud when his fast pitch team in the Belleville City League won every game in 1972 and he was awarded the MVP trophy. He was inducted into the Belleville City League Hall of Fame.

Jerry was always there with a helping hand, had a huge garden, and was adept around the house. Generous with his time and talent, he donated several boxes of trophies to special schools.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Julius and Clara, nee Rehg, Touchette; a brother, Lawrence Touchette; a brother-in-law, Norman Hoffman; and a nephew, Dale Hoffman.

Surviving are his wife of 61 years, Ruth M., nee Sauer, Touchette;
three sons, Steven (Denise) Touchette, Keith (Michelle) Touchette, and Scott (Melissa) Touchette;
two grandsons, Landon Touchette and Brandon Lybarger;
a brother, David (Dorothy) Touchette;
two sisters, Mary Ann Hoffman, and Kathleen (Mike) Fern;
a large extended family;
and many dear friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, to Hospice of Southern Illinois, Inc., to St. John the Baptist Catholic Church Smithton, IL, or in the form of masses to the church. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.

Visitation:  Private visitation will be held Thursday, January 14, 2021, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL.

Funeral:  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, January 14, 2021, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Smithton, IL, with Fr. Stanley Konieczny officiating. Standard CDC guidelines, including masks and a capacity of 40 attendees will be implemented at the church.

Burial will be at Valhalla Gardens of Memory, Belleville, IL.

Condolences:

20 Comments on Jerold Touchette

Marilyn Fisher & Jean Flora said : Guest Report Jan 20, 2021 at 3:46 PM

Ruth, Steve, Keith, and Scott, We were so sorry to hear of your loss. Please accept our deepest condolences. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Marilyn Fisher, Charles Fisher & Jean Flora

  • Altamont
  • IL
Jeff & Julie Stehl & Family said : Guest Report Jan 15, 2021 at 3:30 PM

Very sorry to hear of Jerry's passing. Please accept our deepest sympathy. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

  • Millstadt
  • IL
Tom King said : Guest Report Jan 13, 2021 at 9:16 PM

To Touchette Family, Sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Sincerely Tom King and Family

  • Lake Saint Louis
  • Mo.
Gary Schneider said : Guest Report Jan 13, 2021 at 12:59 PM

Ruth and family my deepest sympathy to you. Always will remember the good times that were had when Jerry was around. He was truly one of the good guys. He will be truly missed.

  • Springfield
  • IL
Mark forcade said : Guest Report Jan 11, 2021 at 5:47 PM

Ruth,Steven,Keith,Scott and families I remember many nights of bowling and days of softball. Very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Please except my sympathy. Sincerely

  • Smithton
  • Il
jim&marian latinette said : Guest Report Jan 11, 2021 at 3:54 PM

Dear Ruth, Steve, Keith, and Scott, So sorry to hear of Jerrys passing. We will always remember the good times we had at Southside Park and our many years of you as our friends.

  • waterloo
  • IL
jim&marian latinette said : Guest Report Jan 11, 2021 at 3:33 PM

ruth and family sorry for your losswill always remember good times with the softball team

  • waterloo
  • IL
jim&marian latinette said : Guest Report Jan 11, 2021 at 2:49 PM

ruth&familysorry to hear the bad news we will always remember the old times with norms team

  • waterloo
  • IL
Mike & Terri Davis said : Guest Report Jan 11, 2021 at 10:13 AM

Ruth and Family. Jerry was a great person, friend and Sheet Metal Worker. I will carry great memories of our poker games and conversations at our retirees meetings it won’t be the same without him, you have our deepest sympathy

  • Grafton
  • Illinois
Dan and Merry Muckensturm said : Guest Report Jan 11, 2021 at 10:00 AM

Our deepest sympathy to all the family!

  • Argyle
  • Texas
Bob Louis said : Guest Report Jan 10, 2021 at 9:20 PM

I am so sorry for your lose, Jerry was a great guy,I can still hear him telling me how big the bag of mushrooms was he found, may he rest in peace, only his body is gone his memory will live forever!!

  • Millstadt
  • IL.
Edward G. Vogt said : Guest Report Jan 10, 2021 at 8:15 PM

Dear Jerry,1947 playing in that old junk yard ,we became Cops and Robbers,how so often I thought of you ,,David,and Mary Ann,your Mother,as a small cub scout and she our den mother.so blessed to still see your face from 1947,to always live inmy sweet memories of long ago

  • Carbondale
  • Illinois
Herb skaer said : Guest Report Jan 10, 2021 at 5:38 PM

Sorry to hear about Jerry we played many a ballgame together over the years at Southside Park I know you miss him Ruth

  • Waterloo
  • I'll.
Walt Latinette said : Guest Report Jan 10, 2021 at 5:17 PM

Prayers to family, I know it had been tough on them first losing his spirit and personality to Alzheimers the past few years. I enjoyed dickering back and forth with Jerry about which type of softball was better to play, Fastpitch his main choice, or Slowpitch, mine. A fun discussion w him always, over a beer or two at family functions. Will miss seeing him!

  • Belleville
  • Il
Kurt Sauer said : Guest Report Jan 10, 2021 at 4:51 PM

Aunt Ruth, Please accept Our deepest condolences on the passing of Uncle Jerry. Love, — Kurt and Aya

  • San Diego
  • CA
Butch and Gerri McGuire said : Guest Report Jan 10, 2021 at 2:12 PM

We are so sorry for your loss. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.

  • Smithton
  • Illinois
Dennis Latinette said : Guest Report Jan 10, 2021 at 12:01 PM

Sorry to hear of Jerry's passing! We always enjoyed his involvement at the parish picnic every year!

  • Belleville
  • Illinois
Debbie (Nussbaumer) Watson said : Guest Report Jan 10, 2021 at 11:22 AM

Ruth and Family. My thoughts and prayers are with you family. I have so many fond memories of Jerry. Love to All, Debbie

  • Ofallon
  • MO
Steven Thompson said : Guest Report Jan 10, 2021 at 10:18 AM

Although I have not spoken to Jerry in a number of years I will always have fond memories growing up just one house over from his family. Jerry was always a good person and I can remember vividly him and his 3 sons hunting and fishing. Myself and the boys played many a game of wiffleball in the front yard, and went sledding down the hill alongside their house. I will always have great respect for Jerry and his wife and I offer my deepest sympathy to the family.

  • Ofallon
  • Illinois
Jim & Carol Cange said : Guest Report Jan 09, 2021 at 9:29 PM

Ruth and Family, Jerry was a great friend and he will be greatly missed. We did so many things together. Loved him like a brother. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.

  • nashville
  • il.

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