Gerald R. “Yowie” Verstraete, 80, of Moline, passed away Monday, May 12, 2025 at his home surrounded by his loving family.

   Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m., Friday, May 23, 2025 at Rafferty Funeral Home, 2111-1st St A, Moline. Visitation will be 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Burial will be at National Cemetery, Rock Island with military honors by Vietnam Veterans of America. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Moline High School Wrestling Team, or Hospice Compassus in Moline.

   Gerry was born July 7, 1944 in Moline, the son of Raymond and Elizabeth “Bette” (Zarada) Verstraete. He married Sharon Rapp on September 6, 1969 in Moline.

   Gerry is a U.S. Marine Corps Veteran having served in Vietnam. He retired in 2001 from the U.S. Postal Service, Bettendorf after working many years in Moline as Supervisor and Carrier.

   Gerry was a lifetime member of both Friends Circle Club and East End Boulders Club, a member of Mineral Rolle Bolle Club and Moline Booster Club. He volunteered with the Moline High School Wrestling Team as well as at numerous Moline High School sporting events. He enjoyed Rolle Bolle, 10 pin bowling and golfing. Gerry was an avid Chicago Cubs fan. Please feel free to wear your Chicago Cubs, Moline Maroons or Rolle Bolle attire to the visitation in Gerry’s honor.

   Survivors include his wife, Sharon; children, Amy Verstraete, Silvis and Andrew (Kim) Verstraete, East Moline; grandsons, Tyler Verstraete, Prescott, AZ; and Nolan (Lexi Shaffer) Verstraete Grinnell, IA; sister, Barb (Paul) Schwartz, Silvis; brother, Bill (Linda) Verstraete, Mesa, AZ and sister-in-law, Darlene Verstraete, Mesa, AZ; numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Bob and niece, Kerri.

https://www.raffertyfunerals.com/obituaries/Gerald-R-Verstraete?obId=42516319#/obituaryInfo