Gerald "Jerry" Fast, 86, of Belvidere, Illinois passed away peacefully on June 6, 2021. Jerry was born March 31, 1935 in Rockford, Illinois son of Walter and Evangeline (Johnson) Fast. He graduated from East High School in Rockford, Illinois and went on to study at North Park College in Chicago, Illinois. Jerry married his sweetheart, Joyce Johnson, on May 2, 1959 at Broadway Covenant Church in Rockford, Illinois. They enjoyed 58 years of marriage before she preceded him in death. Jerry retired from Hershey Foods after working many years in sales. He served as a Sunday school teacher for several years and loved to volunteer with The Salvation Army and Gideon's International in particular. The four most important things in Jerry's life were: faith, family, friends and food. Jerry loved a good church potluck. Jerry had a lifelong interest in cars. His favorite hobby was clock and watch collecting. Jerry also loved to travel with his wife Joyce. Jerry had a contagious laugh that he was known for and a great sense of humor. He was a loyal and devoted man in his faith, his work and his family.

Jerry is loved and missed by his children, Janelle (Paul) Beilke, Jon (Renee) Fast and Juliana (James) Hatfield; grandchildren Ryan, Megan, Michael, and Ben; two great-grandchildren; as well as countless nieces, nephews and friends. He is preceded in death by both parents, his beloved wife Joyce, and two sisters.

A visitation will be held from 10:00 until 10:45 a.m. on Wednesday, June 9, 2021 at First Baptist Church, 1255 West Jackson Street, Belvidere, Illinois 61008. Funeral service to follow at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor David Love officiating. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, there will not be a luncheon served. Private family internment at Belvidere Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Jerry's honor may be made to the Rockford Rescue Mission or Gideons International. To share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.AndersonFCS.com.