Gerald "Jerry" E. Dole

Gerald (Jerry) E. Dole, 67, of Manteno, IL passed away on Friday, November 19, 2021 at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago with his children and wife by his side. Jerry was diagnosed with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) in 2006. He battled the disease until April 8, 2016 when he courageously accepted a stem cell transplant to further combat the plaguing diagnosis. In his final years, Jerry was faced with yet another health challenge of throat cancer. He was a warrior battling the illness until his final moments on the morning of his passing. Jerry was born on July 19, 1954 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Kankakee, IL to John and Leonie Dole. Jerry was the older of 2 sons, with James “Jim” (Therese) Dole surviving. Raised and educated in Manteno schools, Jerry graduated from Manteno High School in 1972. He married his hometown sweetheart Diane (Rathje) Dole on April 1, 1978, and they have three children that they raised in Manteno. Jerry worked at Waste Management for 25 years. However, his lifetime passion was spent serving as a Firefighter at the Manteno Community Fire Protection District for over 45 years. Jerry was a third generation firefighter that rose through the ranks to Assistant Fire Chief. Chief Dole served as Chairman of the Kankakee Fire Expo for many years. His leadership was instrumental in keeping the school functioning and providing quality training. Chief Dole served on the Kankakee County MABAS 7 Training Advisory Committee and the Kankakee County Fire Investigation Team as a fire investigator and a juvenile fire interventionist. He also served as Vice President for the Kankakee County Fire Chief’s Association and as a member of the Village of Manteno Planning Commission. Jerry was named the Citizen of the Year by the Manteno Historical Society in 2011. Additionally, Jerry was the recipient of a Special Award of Recognition by the International Association of Arson Investigators Illinois Chapter in 2021. When Jerry wasn’t at the fire station, you could find him supporting his grandchildren or spending time with friends and family. Jerry was a man of faith and member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. Famously, Jerry was an avid collector of firefighter memorabilia; traveling near and far with his buddies to find the next “treasure”. Jerry is survived by his loving wife Diane of over 43 years, their children: Jason (Rebecca) Dole, Manteno; Jonathan (Jennifer) Dole, Manteno; and Janelle Dole, Chicago; 7 grandchildren: Michael, Vivian, Joslynn, Jayden, Evelin, Jordyn, & Kaylin all of Manteno. Jerry is also survived by his brother along with numerous in-laws, nephews, nieces, and lifelong friends. He is preceded in death by his father, mother, and in-laws (Maynard and Jeanette Rathje). In lieu of flowers, memorials can be donated to the Manteno Community Fire Protection District. Visitation for Jerry will be held on Tuesday, November 23, 2021 from 2:00pm to 8:00pm at the Brown-Jensen Funeral Home, 21 N. Main Street, Manteno, IL. A Fire Department walk through will be held at 7:00pm with a Bell Service to follow. A Celebration of Jerry’s Life will take place on Wednesday, November 24, 2021 at 11:00am at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Manteno, IL with Father Tony Nugent presiding. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery in Manteno.