Obit: Mrotek, Gerald R. (1941 – 2020)

Transcriber: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Mrotek, Zimmerman, Beer, Quam, Rentmeester

Source: Tribune/Record/Gleaner (Abbotsford, WI) 01 Jul 2020

Mrotek, Gerald R. (9 NOV 1941 – 24 JUN 2020)

GERALD R. MROTEK, age 78, of Marshfield, formerly of Loyal, passed away at Marshfield Medical Center, in Marshfield, on Wednesday, June 24, 2020 surrounded by his family. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a private family service will be held at 11am on Wednesday, July 1, 2020 at Trinity Lutheran Church, in Loyal, with Rev. Daniel Zimmerman officiating. The service will be live-streamed for the public on the church's Facebook page (tlcloyal). Burial will take place at Hillside Cemetery, in Marshfield, following the service.

Gerald Richard Mrotek was born on November 9, 1941 in Marshfield, WI, to Roman S. and Lavonne S. (Beer) Mrotek. He was raised and received his education in Marshfield. While in high school, Jerry enrolled in the Navy ROTC program on September 14, 1959 and was discharged on May 31, 1960, after graduating from Marshfield High School. He then enrolled in the U.S. Navy Reserve on June 1, 1960 and served until his honorable discharge on September 13, 1965. Jerry attended UW-Madison and UW-Platteville, graduating in 1965 with a Bachelor of Science degree in music. He was united in marriage to Betty J. E. Quam on August 13, 1965 in Madison. Jerry first taught music in the Cochrane/Fountain City school district in 1965, and then taught at Ithaca Public Schools from 1966 to 1970. They then moved to Loyal, where he led the high school band from 1970 to 2002. He then taught at Abbotsford Elementary School from 2002 to 2004, and at Auburndale Elementary School from 2004 to 2014 until retiring. During retirement, Jerry was a substitute teacher until Covid-19 shut down the schools.

He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, the Wisconsin School Music Association, the Wisconsin Education Association, and the National Education Association.

Jerry had many interests, but especially loved spending time with his children and grandchildren, attending musicals and concerts, playing in bands, fishing, hunting, woodworking, old radio shows, collecting coins, playing, coaching and watching softball, and cheering on the Chicago Cubs.

He will be dearly missed by his children: Erik (Vickie) Mrotek of Wausau, Lori (Tom) Rentmeester of Marshfield; 4 grandchildren: Olivia, Elena, Elizabeth and Christina, 2 brothers: James (Karen) Mrotek of Wisconsin Rapids, Daniel (Ginger) Mrotek of Arpin; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Betty, on August 2, 2015; and one brother: David Mrotek.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be given in Jerry’s name for a memorial to be established at a later date.