Gerald Leases

IN MEMORY OF: Gerald Leases Serving Location: CRAIN FUNERAL HOME – MURPHYSBORO 1421 Walnut Street, Murphysboro, Illinois Gerald “Jerry” Leases of Murphysboro passed away peacefully on June 14, 2023 at his home. He was 71 years of age. He was born in Chicago, Illinois on August 13, 1951 to the late Frank and Christine (Baskas) Leases. He attended St. Rita High School, studied philosophy at UIC, and received his degree from SIU Carbondale. Jerry lived in Chicago until he decided that he had enough of the city. He packed up Denver (his dog) and left town in a VW bus. Before settling down in Southern Illinois, Jerry explored the country. He made a special trip to Chicago for Christmas with his family every year and would tell the stories about where he’d been. He married Katherine Anne Sibert in 1986 in Giant City Park. Although they led a quiet life in the country, they often welcomed visitors to their home and hosted many dinners. They planned adventures together, and their travels included trips to Alaska and Hawaii. Over the years they shared space with a succession of cats and golden retrievers, to whom they were devoted. Jerry was a tradesman and had a company called Sunrise Painting. He was also a true craftsman with his woodworking creations. Jer liked swimming, hiking, and playing ping pong, and was an avid cross country skier. He always looked forward to Fourth of July fireworks. Jerry loved science and science fiction. He enjoyed observing nature, carefully tracking astronomical events at all hours of the night. Jerry especially loved spending time and sharing stories with the people he cared about. He was a big-hearted friend and will be sorely missed. Jerry is survived by his sisters-in-law, Barbara Sibert and Martha Sibert; brother-in-law Bob Sibert; nieces and nephew, Amber Cannon, Laura Sibert, Jessica Sibert, and David Sibert; cousins, Gary Radoch (Nancy), Tom Miklosh, Jim Miklosh, Dave Miklosh, and Carol Baskas; second cousins, Katie Radoch, Madison Miklosh, and Kelly Williams (Russ); third cousin Redmon Williams; and numerous friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife Katherine Anne Sibert in 2020; brother Bob Leases; step-father Dick Forrester; uncles, Charles Baskas, Raymond Baskas, and Walter Baskas; aunts, Frances Radochonski and Stel Miklosh. Those wishing to make a memorial donation may do so to The Nature Conservancy, 4245 N. Fairfax Drive, Suite 100, Arlington, Virginia 22203. Friends are invited to share stories about Jerry in the memories section below.

Gerald Leases

August 13, 1951 - June 14, 2023