Wm. "Jere" Casey

William G. (Jere) Casey, 69, of Waterloo, Ill., and Naples, FL, passed from this life on Tuesday, July 26, 2011 at Memorial Hospital, Belleville, Ill..

Born June 15, 1942 in Jackson, TN to the late William Parker and Mary Louise (Todd) Casey, he worked as an electrician for GM&O Railroad, continuing a long family history with the railroads.  After serving as Director of Maintenance at Touchette Regional Hospital, Jere owned and operated Illini Electric in Belleville and was a very active member of the Swansea community, proudly serving as Electrical Inspector during the 1980's.  Jere was predeceased by his loving wife, Virginia Ann (Seel) Casey, on May 9, 1992;  together they had two daughters, Sue and Janet Casey.

On July 27, 1995, Jere married the former Susan Scherby in Kauai, HI and relocated to Florida, where Jere was the Chief Engineer for The Colony Hotel, Palm Beach and directed their major renovation project.  In 1996, Jere became a licensed painting contractor (William G. Casey Painting Company, Naples, FL) until retirement in 2007.  During those years, Jere delighted in making friends among those who traveled to Naples.  He loved travel, and Hawaii held a special place in his heart.

Jere is survived by his:

  • Wife: Susan
  • Daughters:
    • Sue (Edmund) Priebe, her children Marine PFC Tyler Martin, Austin Priebe, Jordyn Priebe, and Madisyn Priebe
    • Major Janet E. Casey, USAF 
  • Stepdaughters:
    • Lisa (James) Juraszek
    • Julia (Eric) Alexander, her children Lauren Haas and Brenden Haas
    • Lauren and Brenden's father, Robert M. Haas


He is also survived by his:

  • Brother: James Patrick (Margaret) Casey
  • Niece: Brandi (Shaun) Nall
  • Nephew: James Casey
  • Mother-in-law: Wilma Seel
  • Brothers-in-law:
    • Paul (Molly) Seel, and his children
    • Roy Seel, and his children
  • Many Cousins

He shared his ancesty research and established contact with scattered family members.

Jere was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend.  He was extremely proud of his blended family and treasured teaching his grandchildren his passions in life, especially to stand tall and do the honorable thing.  His motto was:  "Shoot, I never had a bad day".

He is a current member of:

  • Knights of Columbus, Saint Ann Council #11079 4th Degree
  • Knights of Columbus Everglades Assembly #1722,  Naples, FL
  • Former 4th Degree  Member of Knights of Columbus #1028, Belleville, IL
  • Past President of Knights of Columbus Assembly #1632996, Belleville, IL


Memorials:  Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, Hospice or charity of your choice.

Visitation:  Friends may call from 4  - 8 p.m. Thursday, July 28, at Kurrus Funeral Home, in Belleville, IL.

Funeral:  A funeral procession will leave from Kurrus Funeral  Home in Belleville, IL at 9:30 a.m., Friday, July 29, 2011 for a 10:00 a.m. mass of Christian Burial at Saint Teresa Catholic Church in Belleville, Illinois with Father David Darin  officiating.  Interment will follow at Green Mount Catholic Cemetery, Belleville, Illinois.



Condolences left for Wm. "Jere" Casey:

    We are so very sorry. Great story of his life. He loved all of you and how you helped him be able to say,"Shoot, I never had a bad day". Love you guys!




    Jeanette, Alexa, and Joey Mihalec Elgin IL

    Jere, We will miss you "guy". You will be in our hearts forever and always. In loving memory of a wonderful person. Susan, Remembering the good times we had together--that no one can take away. We feel fortunate to have had such good friends for so many years. Our sincere sympathy in the loss of your soul-mate. To Jere and Susan's families and extended families,accept our deepest and most sincere sympathy.

    Floyd & Judi Voyles Belleville Illinois 62220

    Dear Janet,

    We would like to express our sincere condolences on the recent passing of your father, William. The Global Strike J2 family also sends their thoughts and prayers to you and your family at this difficult time.

    Although we didn't know your father we know and understand what an inspiration he was to you and what an impact he made on your life. Know in your heart that he too was blessed by having an amazing daughter like you.

    Please pass our deepest sympathies on to your family.



    Very sincerely,

    Global Strike J2 Family


    Kelly Nielsen Papillion NE 68046

    "Gone but never forgotten"
    Thank you Susan for bringing the light back into his life! We will miss him but know he is in a better place.

    Jim & Sue Mank Rogers Arkansas 72756