On Saturday, June 3, 2023, Gerald Silkwood, loving husband and father, passed away at Alton Memorial Hospital.

Jerry was born in Chicago, Illinois, January 12, 1938, moving to Southern Illinois at an early age, then attended St. Bernard's Catholic Grade school, graduating from East Alton Wood River Community High School in 1956. He was an athlete during high school, and a member of the undefeated football team of 1954. He attended SIU campus in Alton majoring in Business Administration and later completed a compressive course at General Motors Training School in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. He was the owner of Silkwood Trucking of South Roxana, Illinois during his later years.

He was a man of many hobbies, enjoying the local car racing tracks with his custom-built race cars, boating the Mississippi, fishing, and camping with his family. His retirement years featured classic automobiles, and he was a member of the FAT Boys of Illinois. He served our country as a member of the United States Army Reserves and as past Commander of the American Legion Post IL 1167.

The most important part of his life was his family. He is survived by his wife Loretta (Haydon) Silkwood. They were married in East Alton, Illinois, by Reverend Bond in January of 1957. Also survived by a son, Kenneth Bradley Silkwood of Wood River, Illinois and a daughter, Katherine (Mark) Goldman of Salem, Kentucky. Grandchildren are, Bobby Dean Silkwood, Eric (Jackie) Silkwood, Abbrin West, Collin Pilger, Dustin Silkwood, Benjamin Silkwood, and Mahala Silkwood; followed by 12 Great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Bazzil and Ann (Vakerish) Silkwood of East Alton, a brother, Fred Allen Silkwood and a grandson, Bradley Silkwood.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Paynic Home for Funerals, East Alton, Illinois on Friday, June 9, 2023. Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. with Celebration of Life Service beginning at 5:00 p.m.

A Reception will be held immediately after the Celebration of Life Service at the Keasler Recreation Complex, 615 Third Street, East Alton, IL 62024.