Gerald L. Artman, age 80 of Shannon, IL, passed away Tuesday, January 28, 2014 at home. He was born July 3, 1933; the son of the late Francis and Lillian (Kloepping) Artman. He married Virginia Koch on July 10, 1954 in Shannon, IL.
Gerald has served in the United States Army during the Korean War from 1953 to 1956. He had farmed most of his life and was a seed corn and soybean dealer for over 20 years. He also worked for the Polo Co-Op for 25 years. He was a member of the Shannon American Legion and Shannon Lions Club. He was also a lifetime member of Bethel United Methodist Church, where he served as maintenance for the past 15 years. Gerald enjoyed woodworking and collecting toy tractors. He especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife, Virginia of Shannon; two daughters, Denise (Jeff) Helmeid of Monroe, WI and Dawn (Gregg) Walther of Freeport, IL; two sons, Derrick (Cora) Artman of Thomson, IL and Douglas Artman; grandchildren: Kylan & Konner Helmeid, Stacy (Chris) Chavez, Michael Artman, David (Heather) Artman, Eric Artman, Amanda & Austin Walther, Megan Appel, and Brody Artman; five great grandchildren; brothers, Roger (Sharon) Artman of Shannon and William (Jan) Artman of Freeport; sisters-in-law, Ruthie Koch of Shannon and Vicki (Mike) Henry of Freeport; and several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents and infant son.
Visitation will be held Friday, January 31, 2014 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at Bethel United Methodist Church in Shannon. The funeral service will be Saturday, February 1 at 2:00 PM. Interment will take place at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Freeport. A memorial fund has been established.