Jerry Tutko

Jerry W. Tutko, 67, of Mounds, died at 11:44 p.m. Sunday, April 5, 2020, at his residence.

He was born on Jan. 19, 1953, in Metropolis, the son of Edward John and Adeline Bunker Tutko.

Mr. Tutko was a member of Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church in Pulaski, where he had served as a trustee and taught Sunday School until his health declined.

He retired from the Pulaski County Highway Department after 21 years of service, where he operated the road grader.

He had great pride in restoring antiques. He was the co-founder of the Truly Great American Society.

He was preceded in death by his parents and by his brother, John Tutko.

Survivors include his wife, Sara R. Tutko of Mounds; a son, Johnny (Jennifer) Hendricks of Pulaski; a daughter, Karen Rundles of Anna; aunts Shirley West of Aurora and Frances Bunker of Hillman; an uncle, John Bunker of California; four cousins; eight grandchildren and their spouses, Rebecca and James Beatty, Chassidy Valenti, Adam and Alee Burnett, John and Jazmin Burnett, John Mark Hendricks, Noah Hendricks, Faith Hendricks and Sara Hendricks; six great-grandchildren, Dylan Beatty, Reina Beatty, Devon Hinton, Chance Valenti, Alexia Jimenez and Alejandro Jimenez; other relatives and friends.

Mr. Tutko, dear husband, father, grandfather and friend, deserved a beautiful tribute. However, due to health concerns related to the COVID-19 virus and the signing of the executive order by Gov. JB Pritzker, services on Thursday, April 9, were for the family only. Interment followed in the Rose Hill Cemetery in Pulaski. Pastor Robin Reid and the Rev. Brian Lingle officiated.

A celebration of life will be at a later date.

Memorials can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Pl., Memphis, Tenn. 38105. or to the Shriners Hospital for Children, 4400 Clayton Ave., St. Louis, Mo. 63110.

Prayers for the family or the signing of an online guestbook can be offered at www.jones-funeral.com.

Jones Funeral Home Villa Ridge is in charge of the arrangements.