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- Jerry Jahnke, 69, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, July 16, 2011, just three weeks following the death of his bride, Sharon. Jerry was born in Neenah on March 18, 1942, son of the late Albert and Alvina (Ver Bort) Jahnke. He was a 1960 graduate of the Freedom High School, and also served his country for three years as a member of the United States Army.
On June 19, 1964, Sharon and Jerry were married in Winona, Minn. For over forty years, Jerry worked as a millwright at Wisconsin Tissue Mill, retiring in 2004. After retirement, he enjoyed his part time job at the Greenville YMCA. Jerry loved to travel, especially to Hawaii, and to Florida for the winter. He also loved playing cards, trips to the casino, and was a race fan. For over twenty-five years, Jerry worked with area prisons as a volunteer. He loved his family, and especially treasured time spent with his grandchildren.
Jerry is survived by two sons, Jeffery (Kimberly) Jahnke, Greenville; Michael (Shelley) Jahnke, Appleton; six grandchildren, Jaice, Jordan, Kyle, Karley, Hannah, and Brianna Mae; a brother, Jack (Marilyn) Jahnke, Freedom; a foster brother, Marvin Vandenberg; a foster sister-in-law, Elaine Vandenberg; mother-in-law, Bernice Neumann; three sisters-in-law, Donna Olson, Debra (Patrick) Jacklin, and Becky Jahnke; two brothers-in-law, Ralph (Jo-Ann) Neumann and Dennis (Kris) Neumann; and a former sister-in-law, Sally Crawford. Jerry also had ten half brothers and sisters, Don, Ray, Pat, Mike, Robert, Frank, Gerri, Dorothy, Dianne, and Elizabeth. He also leaves behind three dear friends, Ken Zillisch, Mike Randerson, and Bill Helein.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Sharon; brothers, Alvin and Ronald Jahnke; foster parents, Martin (Lena) Vandenberg; a foster brother, Jack Vandenberg; and a foster sister-in-law, Shirley Vandenberg.
A memorial service for Jerry will be held at 5 p.m. on Thursday, July 21, 2011, at ST. MARY CATHOLIC CHURCH, N2385 Municipal Drive in Greenville, with Fr. Mark Vander Steeg officiating. Friends may call at the church on Thursday afternoon from 2 p.m. until the time of the mass.
The family would like to extend a sincere thank you to the Greenville Fire Department and First Responders, and to everyone at ICU at St. Elizabeth Hospital. We will always remember your wonderful care, compassion, and support. In lieu of flowers, the family has established a memorial fund in Jerry's name.
Wichmann Funeral
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537 N. Superior Street
Appleton 739-1231
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Published in Appleton Post-Crescent on July 18, 2011
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1942 - 2011 (69 years)
