Gerald “Jerry” Thomas Newman, age 81, of Shevlin, Minnesota passed away on January 15, 2024 in Gainesville, FL. Jerry was born February 10, 1942 in Elgin, IL to his loving parents, Dr. Russell and Mary Jane (née Pistor) Newman.

Jerry graduated from Sycamore High School, Class of 1961, and went on to study at Northern Illinois University.

He was a fixture in downtown Elgin for decades, working as the proprietor of Central Barbershop on Chicago Street for 60 years. Jerry was truly dedicated to his customers - it was never too early or too late for him to meet a customer that needed a haircut.

Jerry tried his luck in real estate for a short period of time, took a few pilot lessons and flew solo. In his youth, he enjoyed drag racing and worked as a certified GM mechanic.

Jerry was extremely outgoing, and was never scared to share his opinion or discuss politics. He was generous, always willing to give the shirt off his back.

He will be remembered for his humor, his love for ALL varieties of music, and his passion for Cummins turbo diesel motors. He loved Prime Rib (extra rare, of course), waffles and syrup, and, of course, pastries.

When he wasn’t working in his beloved barbershop, Jerry enjoyed fishing, outdoor sports, farming, traveling and working on boat motors and cars as a mechanic.

Jerry was an avid sports fan who enjoyed watching the Minnesota Vikings, the Chicago Blackhawks and Oklahoma State Football. He also played club hockey.

Jerry enjoyed shooting sports, and was an active member of the Aurora Gun Club, the Elgin Rifle Club, and the National Rifle Association.

In 1975, Jerry and his daughter, Jackie, got lost while hiking in a sudden snowstorm in Minnesota. Jackie, age 13, eventually lost the ability to hike in the difficult conditions. Jerry picked her up and placed her on his shoulders and was able to navigate through the storm carrying her to safety. This is an example of his loving sacrifices for family and incredible perseverance.

Jerry was preceded in death by his two infant sons, Thomas Scott Newman, aged 14 days, and Robert Mark Newman, aged 10 days; his first wife, Gloria Holland (divorced); and his second wife, Elsa Ann Newman.

Jerry is survived by his daughter, Jacqueline “Jackie” Newman; brother, Dr. John Newman; grandson, Jack Erickson; great-grandchildren, Scout and Graham Erickson; nieces, Christy Lockhart and Jennifer Evins; and many cousins and dear friends.

Visitation will be 3:00pm until funeral service at 6:00pm, Sunday, January 21, 2024, at Symonds-Madison Funeral Home, 305 Park Street, Elgin, IL 60120.

To access the visitation remotely, loved ones are encouraged to log on via Zoom (Meeting ID: 813 1026 2720, Password: 729664).

Service will continue at graveside 10:00am, Monday, January 22, 2024, at Dundee Township Cemetery East, 420 Dundee Avenue, East Dundee, IL 60118.

Final arrangements entrusted to Symonds-Madison Funeral Home. For more information, call 847-741-1128.