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- Gerald G. Burkel, 74, Green Bay, lost a long courageous battle with cancer on Wednesday, January 16, 2013, at a local hospital.
Jerry was born on December 16, 1938 to Everette and Mable (Zastrow) Burkel and raised in Duck Creek. He was the fourth sibling among his 10 brothers and sisters. At a very young age, Jerry learned the value of a buck, working the fields for Harry and later Charlie Wery. It was here he would form a lifelong friendship with the Wery family. He was very proud to tell people he was a good friend of Charlie's and throughout Jerry's life he was very grateful for the chance to be employed by Wery Farms. It was work he truly enjoyed. Along with Wery Farms, Jerry worked on and off within the lumber/construction industry and true to form, he never missed an opportunity to earn a dollar. If there was a chance to make a buck, he took it. He jumped at the chance to shovel your sidewalk, paint your house, or cut your lawn …. things he truly missed doing, toward the end of his life.
In 1974, Jerry met the love of his life, Carol (Wielgus) and they were joined in marriage in 1977. As a result of that marriage, Jerry instantly became a dad to her three little girls, Tammy, Terry and Tricia; a role he was truly honored to fill and a title he was very proud of. He never failed to mention to his friends and family that he had three children and he loved them unconditionally. There wasn't a thing he wouldn't do for his daughters. He will truly be missed by them all, for he was the best role model three little girls could have.
Jerry was also proud to have said he served in the Army during the Cuban Missile Crisis. It was while he was in the Army that he got the only thing he ever regretted, his tattoos, his first name on one arm and his last name on the other. Although he hated it, it was a good conversation starter. Even a nurse commented on it the day before Jerry passed. It gave Carol the opportunity to share a little bit about a man she is very proud of.
Jerry is survived by his wife, Carol, and their daughters and sons-in-law, Tammy (Matt) Baldwin, Bonduel, and their son Kyle; Terry (Emilio) Cantu, and their children, Jamie (Jon), Kacey and Kevin, all of Green Bay; Tricia (Chris) Compton, Abrams, and their children Nicholas (Teri) and Danielle (Coy). He was also a proud great-grandpa to Jaxon and Jalena. He is further survived by his brothers and sisters, Patty, Wendy, Joanie, Jeannie, Bobby, and Jimmy; along with many nephews and nieces.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Danny, Chucky, and Ronnie; and his sister, Mary.
Friends may call at Blaney Funeral Home, 1521 Shawano Ave., from 3 to 6 p.m. Monday. The Memorial Service will be held at 6 p.m. Monday at the funeral home with Rev. Steven Fewell officiating. To send online condolences, please go to www.BlaneyFuneralHome.com.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Jerry's name.
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1938 - 2013 (74 years)
