Jerry, a beloved soul whose presence enriched the lives of all who knew him, passed away peacefully surrounded by love and light.
He is survived by his wife of 23 years, Delly Cadena, who stood by his side through life's joys and challenges, sharing a bond that was destined to endure beyond this physical plane. Together, they navigated life with a shared curiosity, exploring the unknown with a heart full of wonder.
Jerry is lovingly remembered by his daughters: Ashley Cottrell and her husband, Dan, with their children, Jordan and Caroline; Nicole Keyes and her husband, Devin; and Tanya Peters with her son, Max. He is also survived by his adult grandchildren, Joe and Julie, and his great-grandchildren, Lucas, Amelia, Jetson, and Ava Faye. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Kelly Conser, and his grandson, John.
Born in Oak Park, Illinois to Charles John Conser and Jean Marie Dittenhoefer, Jerry is survived by his brothers, Jack and Mike Conser. He is preceded in death by his siblings Dick, Diane, Susie, Chuck, and Carol.
Jerry understood that life is but a brief stop on a much longer journey, and that death is merely a doorway to a new beginning. He leaves a legacy of love, curiosity, and a belief in the soul's power to transcend the physical. We find comfort knowing that the answers he sought are now clear to him. May his spirit find eternal peace as he continues his journey in the light.
Jerry’s dear friend and mentor, Richard Ireland, once shared with him a poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox that resonated deeply with Jerry and now offers us comfort:
It seems such a little way to me
Across to that strange country – the Beyond;
And yet, not strange, for it has grown to be
The home of those whom I am so fond,
They make it seem familiar and most dear,
As journeying friends bring distant regions near.
So close it lies, that when my sight is clear
I think I almost see the gleaming strand.
I know I feel those who have gone from here
Come near enough sometimes, to touch my hand.
I often think, but for our veiled eyes,
We should find heaven right round about us lies.
I cannot make it seem a day to dread,
When from this dear earth I shall journey out
To that still dear country of the dead,
And join the lost ones, so long dreamed about.
I love this world, yet shall I love to go
And meet the friends who wait for me, I know.
I never stand above a bier and see
The seal of death set on some well-loved face
But that I think ‘One more to welcome me,
When I shall cross the intervening space
Between this land and that one “over there”;
One more to make the strange Beyond seem fair.’
And so for me there is no sting to death,
And so the grave has lost its victory.
It is but crossing – with a bated breath,
And white, set face – a little strip of sea,
To find the loved ones waiting on the shore,
More beautiful, more precious than before.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Jerry's memory to the Psychical Research Foundation, where he served as Director, at https://www.psychicalresearchfoundation.com/donate , or to the Alpha-1 Foundation at https://secure.alpha1.org/site/Donation2?2180.donation=form1&df_id=2180&mfc_pref=T, to further the quest for healing for those affected by Emphysema. His life’s work and enduring spirit will live on through contributions to these causes.
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