Obit: Dietsche, Gerald "Jerry" (1936 – 2016)

Transcriber: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Dietsche, Nonnemacher, Helsinki, Smith

----Source: Tribune/Record/Gleaner (Abbotsford, Wis.) 31 Aug 2016

Dietsche, Gerald "Jerry" (29 AUG 1936 – 13 AUG 2016)

Gerald “Jerry” Dietsche, 79, Milwaukee, formerly of Spencer, passed away on Saturday, Aug. 13, 2016, at his home in Milwaukee. As requested by the family, no services were held.

Gerald was born on Aug. 29, 1936, at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Marshfield, to Frank and Erma (nee Nonnemacher) Dietsche. He attended Griffith Grade School and graduated from Loyal High School in 1956. After high school, he worked on the family farm and at Berg Equipment in Marshfield. In 1959, he entered the United States Army and completed his training at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri, and from there he was stationed in Germany for two years. He was honorably discharged in 1962. He then returned to the Spencer area and began work hauling mobile homes to various places in Wisconsin. In about 1964, he began to work in the Milwaukee area, where he worked on refrigeration units, and then began to work as a carpenter. In 1972, he married Lois Jeanette Helinski Smith. He belonged to the Carpenters’ Union and was a member of the American Legion. After retirement he continued to work for the union part-time. He enjoyed watching the Packers, Brewers and Badgers, and attending games. He especially enjoyed get-togethers with his family and friends.

He is survived by his wife of 44 years; his stepson, Leonard Smith; three step-grandchildren; six step-great-grandchildren; two brothers, Robert (Barbara) Dietsche of Lena, and Marvin (Kathy) Dietsche of Spencer; his sister, Dorothy Dietsche of Spencer; his sister-in-law, Bonnie Dietsche of Spencer; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Leland; and a nephew and great-nephew.

Arrangements were entrusted to Prasser-Kleezka Funeral Home, Milwaukee.