throughout his life. He also became an excellent craftsman during and enjoyed woodworking all of his life. He had the tools to do or fix almost anything, and he did that often. He will mostly be remembered by his jolly personality and his love of Christmas and playing Santa Claus. Gerald had a generous heart and looked forward to donating his time each year for most of his adult life. He played Santa Claus at many venues, including Leisure World RV Park, numerous McAllen area charities including Mujeres Unidas, and all over Illinois. He loved to see the smiles on the children's faces and he had the perfect personality for the job. Gerald is preceded in death by his parents, John and Julia Cantu and his sister, Mary Wiegman. He is survived by his loving wife, Phyllis Diane, children, Christine Forkal (Richard), Tom Cantu (Irma), Mary Beth Engelman (Tim), Gregory Cantu (Jennifer), all of Joliet, Il, step-children, Tracy Denton (Tenley) of Channahon, Il, Shirley Acree (Troy) of Louisville, Il, Tina Kilgore of Germany, grandchildren, Jon (Darcy), Jacqueline, and Jessica Forkal, Anthony, Reed, Gwendelyn, and Olivia Cantu, Travis (Ali), Genevive, and Gavin Denton, Keagan(Aimee),Kae Lynn, Shawn(Allison) and Shane(Jaycie) Acree, Levi and Michael Loving, great-grandchildren, Beckett, Tucker, Quinn, Leo, Tyler Jane, and brother, John Cantu (Vonna) of Joliet, Il, and his two beloved pets, who he adored, labradoodle, Rosie and cat, Sally.