Aric R. Gerald, 47, of Ottawa, passed away on Friday, February 1, 2019, after his long and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.
Aric was born on June 20, 1971, to James and the late Pamela (Beutler) Gerald. Aric was a 1989 graduate of Ottawa High School and earned his Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Illinois (UC) College of Engineering (1993). He then went on to become a well respected, dual-licensed Professional Engineer and Professional Land Surveyor in the State of Illinois where he has been practicing ever since.
Aric is survived by his father, his sister, Jamie (Ed) Terry and his two nieces Sydney and Savannah Strobel. He is also survived by his children Brook and Blake Henry, a grand daughter Greenlea Harwick, as well as many cousins, aunts, uncles, and very special friends, too numerous to name.
Private services will be held on a later date at Oakwood Memorial Park with Ottawa Funeral Home handling the cremation. A celebration of Aric’s life will be held on Saturday, February 9, at the Knights of Columbus from 2:00 p.m.- 5:00 p.m. Honorary pallbearers are Roger Miskell, Larry Johnson, Kevin Maier, Blake Penoyer, Darren Poundstone, Ed Terry, Scott Sesto, Joe Gama, Mike Hanson, Ray Daniels, Derren Geiger, Jeff Wallace, Rod Rosencrans, Ron Moran, Mike Jett, Matt Rollings, Brian Larson, Brad Bohler and Andrzej Bednarczyk.
Donations can be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network or OSF Hospice, or to the charity of your choice.
Aric has been laid to rest in the Garden of Psalms.