Gerald “Jerry” Buysse

Gerald “Jerry” Buysse, 89, of Atkinson, passed away peacefully at home on April 4, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Visitation will be held Tuesday, April 7, 2026, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Vandemore Funeral Home-Atkinson Chapel. A Recitation of the Rosary will be at 3:30 p.m. at the funeral home.   A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Atkinson, Illinois.  Memorials may be directed to the family and will be distributed amongst Jerry's favorite local charities.

Jerry was born on November 5, 1936, to Russell and Gladys (Geuns) Buysse. He attended Atkinson High School, graduating in 1954, and then served in the Naval Reserves from 1955 to 1963. On January 21, 1967, Jerry married the love of his life, Mary Croegaert, at St. Anthony’s. Together they shared 59 years of marriage, building a life rooted in faith, family, and community.

A lifelong member of St. Anthony Catholic Church in Atkinson, Jerry was deeply devoted to his faith and was an active member of the Catholic Order of Foresters. He was also a proud member of the Atkinson Kiwanis.

In his early years, Jerry developed a lifelong love for the land and feeding out “black cattle.” He later worked at Empire Equipment and FS Services and also lent a helping hand at Holmstrom Farms. He also enjoyed helping VanHyfte Auction Service and Kilcoin Auction Service. His passion for the outdoors continued throughout his life, as he took great pride in maintaining a beautiful yard filled with flowers and a thriving garden.

Jerry found joy in the simple pleasures of life. He spent many hours in his garage workshop, specializing in his handmade birdhouses. He was a devoted supporter of his grandchildren, attending countless activities over the years, as well as local and state pig shows. Whether relaxing by the backyard pool, sharing stories with friends and family, cheering on the Fighting Illini, or enjoying his favorite places to eat, Jerry cherished time spent with those he loved. 

He is survived by his loving wife, Mary; his children, Susan (Matt) Barth, Steve Buysse, and Kate (Greg) Decker; his grandchildren, Andrew (Lanie) Barth, Shawn Barth, Emily (Kevin) Uranga, Clara (Chase Boulting) Barth, Kylie (Adam) Smith, Kade (Leah Evans) Buysse, Dylan (Mackenzie) Decker, and Kaleb Decker;  great-grandchildren, Gwendalyn Barth, Scarlett Barth, Ameileah, Kailey and Isaac Uranga, and Mollie Smith; and sister Maribeth Vandersnick.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Russell and Gladys Buysse; his sister, Marlene Minnaert; and his brothers-in-law, Dean Minnaert and Herb Vandersnick.