- Date Of Birth: February 14, 1932
- Date Of Death: July 9, 2014
- State: Illinois
Gerald M. “Jerry” Bretag, 82, of Ottawa, died July 9, 2014 at the LaSalle County Nursing Home in Ottawa.
Jerry was born on February 14, 1932 in Ottawa, to Henry H. and Lucille (Byrne) Bretag. Jerry was a graduate of Ottawa Township High School, class of 1950, where he was awarded the Babe Ruth Foundation Sportsman Award. He attended Northern Illinois University and Western Illinois University graduating with a degree in Journalism. While still in high school, he started covering sports at the Ottawa Republican Times. Later he wrote for the DeKalb Chronicle, and finally as the Sports Editor at the Quad City Times in Davenport. He retired in 1984, as the Executive Sports Editor. After retirement, he worked for the Illinois High School Association, where he reviewed, compiled, and maintained statistics. He was a member of St. Columba Church, the Davenport Elks and the Knights of Columbus.
Jerry is survived by 3 sisters Doris Barron, of Clearwater, FL, Betty Pandolfi, of Ottawa and Margaret “Peggy” Bellettini, of Morris, 3 brothers, Kaye (Joan) of Ottawa, Keith (Florence) of Ottawa and Paul (Mary Ellen), of Leland, NC, 36 nieces and nephews, and many great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother James.