Gerald “Jerry” H. Wilcox
ROCK ISLAND, IL / PORTAGE, WI – Gerald “Jerry” H. Wilcox, 95, Rock Island, IL passed away on Thursday, March 19, 2026, at his home surrounded by his family.
There will be a rosary at 3:30 PM with visitation following from 4 - 6:00 PM on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory, Milan. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 AM on Thursday, March 26, 2026, at St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish – St. Ambrose Campus, Milan. An additional funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 AM on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Portage, WI, with visitation one hour prior. Burial will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery, Portage, WI. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Alleman Catholic High School or the church.
Jerry was born on March 16, 1931, to Gaylord and Addie (Leggett) Wilcox in Tomahawk, WI. He grew up in Wisconsin where he graduated high school and attended the University of Wisconsin. He then enlisted in the United States Army where he served for 21 years. After retiring from the military, he moved to Las Vegas where he started his career in the gaming industry and met his future wife, Candice.
Jerry and Candice were married on April 16, 1982. The couple lived in Nevada for a time before relocating to the Quad Cities where Jerry got a job as the Operations Manager for President Riverboat Casino. During his 30-year career, he was instrumental in opening the riverboat and starting a gaming school.
In his spare time, Jerry enjoyed reading and doing yardwork. He liked to keep busy, working out at the YMCA three days a week and having breakfast with his friends every Tuesday at Panera. He also loved going to the activities of his children and grandchildren.
He will be greatly missed by his wife of 44 years, Candy; children, Brittani (James Jr.) LaMay, Collin Solorzano, William “Bill” (Kathie) Wilcox, Steven “Duke” Wilcox, Penny Harley, Peggy Jo Wilcox and Patricia “Patti” (Steve) Heise; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Virginia Nyman, Mildred McCarty, Margaret Pitera, William Wilcox, Blanche Plumb, and Marjory Vesley.
Arrangements entrusted to Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory, Milan and Pflanz Mendrala Funeral Home, Portage, WI. To leave condolences for the family visit wheelanpressly.com.
