Gerald C. "Pigeon" Junker

Gerald C. “Pigeon” Junker, 84, of Varna Illinois, died on October 25, 2023 at OSF Saint Joseph Medical Center in Bloomington. Born on July 12, 1939 on the family farm in Roberts Township near Varna to the late Carl and Emma Louise (Lenz) Junker, he married Nedra Barr on September 5, 1959 in Varna.

“Pidge” farmed in the Varna area all his life, learning his skills from his father. He even farmed with his younger brother Dave.  Pidge liked hunting birds, Geese, pheasant, and duck, but most of all he himself liked to fly. He was a private plane owner and pilot for over 30 years. On his farm, he had some of the most unique pets for the kids to grow up around that he loved just as much as the children did.

Gerald is survived by his wife Nedra, at home; sons Jay (Lisa) of Minonk Illinois, Michael of Peru Illinois; brother Dave (Sally) of Varna; sister Phyllis Heike of Bloomington Illinois; grandchildren Jordan (Kristen) Junker of Freeburg Illinois, Dayne Junker of Lasalle Illinois, Kaleb (Ashley) Garber of Minonk, Kayeli Garber of Normal; and great grandchildren Deacon & Charlee Garber and Claire Junker. He was also preceded in death by his brother Dick Junker, and infant sister Kathleen.

Funeral services for Gerald will be held Monday, October 30 at Saint Paul’s Lutheran Church in Varna at 11 AM with Reverend Peter Glock officiating. Visitations will be held at Saint Paul’s Lutheran Church on Sunday, October 29 from 2 to 4 PM and one hour prior to the service.  Burial will be in Saint Paul’s Lutheran Cemetery. Memorials can be made to the Varna Fire and Ambulance or his church and online condolences can be left at lenzmemorialhome.com.