Jerry C. Harper; Age 90, beloved husband of the late Dagmar Harper. Loving father of Christina (Carl) Bordoni and Erich (Heidi Sibert) Harper, cherished grandfather of Erin (Terry) McNamara-Sullivan, Kate (Justin) Price, Megan McNamara and John Collin McNamara, great grandfather of Agnes McNamara and Willa Price. Jerry was born in Chicago. After marrying Dagmar and starting a family, he embarked on a career as a radio DJ before landing a position with WKOW TV in Madison Wisconsin. On July 4th, 1953 Jerry spoke the first words as WKOW went on the air for the first time. Jerry, was a news anchor for WFLA in Tampa before moving back to Chicago where he was a reporter and staff announcer for 30 years at CBS in Chicago. In 1977 he served as President of the Chicago Press Club. His love for animals was a perfect segue for Jerry to become a docent at Brookfield Zoo. His education in animals allowed him to be a guide in many of the zoo’s exhibits. Jerry’s passion was educating the children in the children’s zoo where he spent most of his 30 years, volunteering and teaching thousands of children about zoo life. There will be a memorial dedication at Morton Arboretum in August. The family would appreciate donations in Jerry’s honor to the Make A Wish foundation, the National Wildlife Federation and to the Willowbrook Wildlife Center in Glen Ellyn. Arrangements by Williams-Kampp Funeral Home, Wheaton. For info 630-668-0016 or williams-kampp.com To send flowers or a remembrance gift to the family of Jerry Harper, please visit our Tribute Store.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Jerry C Harper 2018. Williams-Kampp Funeral Home Inc
Death notice for the town of: Wheaton, state: Illinois