Jerry Gould Hardin

Jerry Gould Hardin, 88, formerly of Orion, passed away on January 25, 2026, at Allure of Walnut.

Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Saturday January 31, 2026, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 1001 9th Street, Orion. Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. Friday January 30, 2026, at the church in the Ark. Burial will be at Western Township Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Jerry’s family for a fund to be established.

Jerry was born on November 25, 1937, in Moline, IL, the son of Zadoc Jacob and Lorretta June (Gould) Hardin. He attended the University of Illinois and the Illinois School of Banking. Jerry had worked at the State Bank of Osco where he also served as the Interim President, until he retired. Banking was more than numbers for Jerry; it was the relationships he formed that built true customer service. Jerry was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church. As a third-generation swine producer he was also a member of the Henry County Pork Producers and the National Swine Association. He participated in livestock shows throughout Henry County and multiple national events. As a child, at the Chicago International Livestock Exposition, Jerry was named Champion Showman. Jerry earned numerous championships throughout the United States including being the only exhibitor at the American Royal Livestock Show in Kansas City Missouri to have grand and reserve champion in the same year.

Jerry supported youth livestock through 4-H and FFA programs. He was given the honor of being named Friend of the Henry County Fair. Jerry enjoyed all sporting events and was a great supporter of Orion Chargers, University of Illinois, and the St. Louis Cardinals. He was proud of his 1953 Orion High School Football Team being inducted into the Orion Hall of Fame. Jerry loved visiting over coffee and breakfast with his many local friends. Jerry cherished spending time with his grandchildren including attending their sports and livestock activities. They were the pillar of his heart.

He is survived by his daughter, Heather (Dave) Minssen of Prophetstown; son, Justin (Amy) Hardin of Orion; grandchildren, Grant Minssen, Sydney Minssen, Jackson Minssen, Mason Minssen, Brayden Hardin, Adelyn Hardin; his SO (significant other), Barb Feik of LaMoille and her children, Wendy (Gary) Pinkerton, Heidi (Dan) Dlubac, and her grandson, Aaron Pinkerton; stepbrother, Brad (Barb) Norton; stepsister, Pam Lutz; as well as several close cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; stepbrother, John Norton; stepfather, Vern Norton; and Barb’s son, Mark Feik.

The family would like to give extra thanks to Allure of Walnut and In-Home Care Connection Hospice for their excellent care of Jerry.

Memories may be shared online by visiting esterdahl.com.