Greeling

 

February 2, 2022



Jerome Eugene Greeling, 72, died Jan. 26, 2022, at his home in Mt. Olive, Ill., surrounded by family after a long battle with cancer. He was born March 7, 1949, in Carrolton. He married Patricia Cooper on Aug. 12, 1972. They had two children and divorced in 2008. Jerome married Chris Jewel in Queensland, Australia, in 2009. They separated in 2019.

Jerome graduated from Gillespie High School in 1968. He was a certified welder and coal miner during his adult life. He was a proud member of United Mine Workers of America since May 5, 1971. He retired from Monterey Coal Mine in 2003. Prior to retiring, he started a successful welding business, Crazy Horse Welding, creating metal and iron designs well after his retirement. Jerome was a bull rider in rodeos in his younger years and never one to shy away from cliff diving. He was also an avid hunter, trapper and fisherman. He also enjoyed spending time with friends and drinking coffee at Crossroads and Route 138 Café. He lived in Australia for 10 years, exploring the country in his RV.

He is survived by daughters Melissa Lee (companion Matt Scheller) of Mt. Olive, and Amy (Joe) Zitta of Troy; grandchildren, Cameryn Lee, Peyton Lee, Dylan Lee, Grace Zitta and Olivia Zitta; two brothers, Kenny (Barb) Monke of Arcola, Richard (Pam) Monke of White City; four sisters, Bonny Monke of Mt. Olive, Debbie Monke of Mt. Olive, Barb (Aaron) Bishop of Benld, Sandy Svoboda of Dillon, Mont.; and many nieces and nephews. Jerome was preceded in death by his mother, Vivian (Greeling) Monke; step-father, Laverne Monke; and his brother, Ronald Monke.

His life will be celebrated at the VFW Hall in Mt. Olive, on Saturday, Feb. 5, from noon to 4 p.m. All friends and family welcome.

Memorials are suggested to Hunt of a Lifetime Foundation or Illinois Conservation Foundation. Condolences may be left online at beckerandson.com. Becker and Son Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

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