Gerald Kush Sr

Gerald Joseph Kush, 84, of Summerdale, died on Monday, September 29, 2025 surrounded by his second wife, Gail and his son, Frank at Diversicare Nursing Home of Foley, AL. He was born February 19, 1941 in Chicago, IL to George and Cecilia (Rake) Kush. He had one brother, George Kush Jr. who passed away in 2007. He graduated from Leo High School, where he lettered in football and basketball. Known for his fierce competitive nature, his coach once hid his cleats and said they were stolen because he refused to come off the field after injuring his knee and having a tooth knocked out during his senior year homecoming game. Gerald was a retired Chicago Police Detective and Veteran of the United States Army Reserves. Throughout his career, he received countless accommodations for meritorious work. Under President Ronald Regan, he was detailed to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), where his tenacity led to the arrest and conviction of “The Welfare Queen of Chicago,” who defrauded the Federal government by creating over 80 aliases to draw public assistance, and the Veterans Administration, collecting disability benefits for at least four deceased husbands. His contributions to the arrest were detailed in Josh Levin’s book “The Queen,” and were mentioned in an episode of Oliver Stone’s “Untold History of the United States.” He always put his family before himself. In addition to working as a full-time police officer, at one time he worked four additional jobs to put his three sons through private grade and high school. He often bought his clothing and footwear from thrift shops to save money so his children had magical holidays and birthdays. Mr. Kush was known as a tremendously giving person. Celebrating over 38 years of sobriety, he was an active Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) member in Alabama, Illinois and Wisconsin, where he sponsored several others in their own sobriety journeys. He selflessly opened his home to many in recovery, providing them stability and support without ever asking for any sort of compensation in return. After retirement, he even volunteered for several years organizing and hosting AA meetings at local jails. In his own words, he wanted “to offer second chances to those he spent his life locking up.” Through AA he met the love of his life, his soulmate Gail, who despite being previously married said that Gerald was the only man she truly ever loved. Together they experienced endless adventures including: touring the Untied States in an RV, living all over the Alabama coast and taking countless waterway adventures in a fleet of “fixer upper” boats they had acquired over the years. Their greatest adventure however, was each other as they started and ended each day with love and affection, boasting their desire to “snuggle” into their early 80s. Many believe Gerald’s life was extended by his desire to live his final days with his wife by his side, which he did when Gail moved into the nursing home with him in May 2025. Whether ocean, river, lake or pond, he loved being near the water. His retirement homes in Wisconsin and Alabama proved that. While his wife, Gail considered it a form of self-inflicted torture, Gerald loved frugally buying old outboard boat motors, that “needed a little work,” and endlessly tinkering with them. He also had a passion for food and family, spending many summers grilling and putting out amazing spreads on a shoe-string budget. His ability to eat mass quantities is a story of legend to surely be passed down for generations to come. He was a passionate fan of the Chicago Bears, New Orleans Saints, the Chicago Bulls and the Chicago White Sox. Later in life, he became obsessed with Fantasy Football. He considered his pinnacle achievement being invited to participate in a league comprised of Chicago Sports Journalists and sports marketing professionals, where he always made the play-offs. If ever there a person who emulated the biblical Book of Job, it was Gerald. In the past 18 month alone, he broke his back, battled sepsis three times, pneumonia twice, had pressure ulcers, diabetic wounds, Covid-19 and suffered multiple strokes. Yet his faith never wavered, nor his serenity to accept the things he could not change, the courage to change the things he could, and the wisdom and knowledge to know the difference. Gerald is survived by his wife Gail, three sons, Gerald Jr., Thomas, and Frank; step children Michael, Thomas, James, Susan, Matthew and Laura; 19 grandchildren; sister-in-law, Verna, niece Kimberly and nephew Bryan. He had many extended family and friends, who in his final days he shared many fond memories of including Randy Tolley, and his “adopted” daughter Rebecca Cole. Mr. Kush was grateful for the compassionate and dignified treatment he received from Diversicare Nursing Home and Community Hospice staff; all of whom said he was among their favorite residents to care for. While Gerald’s life of service, sacrifice and giving indeed earned him a pair of the nicest wings God’s hands can make, his son Frank believes he’d prefer a used pair, repaired in duck-tape, that “run great” but need some tinkering- just like his boat motors. A memorial service will take place in Illinois. Details will be posted when finalized. His final resting place will be Holy Sepulchre Catholic Cemetery, 6001 W 111th St., Alsip, IL 60803.

Gerald Kush Sr

September 29, 2025

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

Plan Ahead

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information

Gerald Kush Sr

September 29, 2025

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

Plan Ahead

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information

Obituary Notification