Jerome Joseph Gedemer

Racine- Jerome Joseph Gedemer, 82, affectionately known to many as “Romie”, passed away at his home on Monday, February 26, 2007 following a valiant battle with cancer. A lifetime resident, Jerry was born in Racine on May 24, 1924 to the late Joseph and Josephine (nee: Scheible) Gedemer, Sr. A graduate of St. Catherine’s High School, he served our Country with the United States Army-Air Corps during WWII. Jerry faithfully continued to serve for over 20 years, retiring as a Major from the Air Force Reserves. On August 28, 1948 in Holy Name Catholic Church, he was united in marriage with Loretta M. Brown, who preceded him in death unexpectedly on December 27, 1989. He was a longtime employee of Harris Metals as a supervisor of research and engineering until his retirement. Jerry was a devoted member and tireless volunteer at St. Lucy Catholic Church where he was a current parish council representative, advisor/trainer of the altar server program, daily Mass altar assistant, former men’s choir and Athletic Assn. member, just to name a few. An absolute family man with a profound Catholic faith, he always placed his family and his God as top priority in his life. Jerry was forever extending a helping hand on projects and situations for family and friends in need. May he rest in peace. Surviving are his children, Michael G. Gedemer, Patricia Albro, Marilyn (Richard) Hasselbrink and Chuck (Ann) Gedemer; grandchildren, Scott and Brian Gedemer; Lisa (Philipe) Lavoie, Jennifer (Danny) Wiseman,Jon (Katherine) Hasselbrink, Christopher (Jen) Gedemer; Katherine and Lauren Gedemer; great-grandchildren, Jessica and Jacob Lavoie; Connor and Kayla Wiseman; brother, Joseph (Nel) Gedemer, Jr.; sisters, LaVerne Horton and Marian Gedemer; magnificent friend and exceptional caregiver, Dolores Woods (a very special lady in his life who helped keep the smile on Jerry’s face for the past 11 years) ; brother-in-law, John (Bette) Brown; sisters-in-law, Irene Brandt, Betty Gedemer and Geraldine Gedemer; and by many dear nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends, too numerous to mention by name, including his family at St. Lucy. In addition to his parents and wife, Jerry was preceded in death by his brothers, Norbert Gedemer, Richard (Josephine) Gedemer, Marvin (LaVerne) Gedemer and Eugene Gedemer; sisters, Evelyn (Oliver) Hettig, Catherine (Martin) Pekar, Ottilia (Earl) Ruelle and Virginia Gedemer; and by brothers-in-law, Al Horton, Harold and George Brown (both killed in WWII), Edward (Caroline) Brown, Robert (Charlotte) Brown. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, March 1, 2007 at St. Lucy Catholic Church, 3101 Drexel Ave., at 11 am with Rev. Mark R. Jones, Rev. Jeffrey M. Thielen and Rev. Cletus V. Uhen concelebrating . Entombment, with military honors, will follow in the mausoleum of Holy Cross Cemetery, Hwy 32. Visitation will be in the funeral home, 4600 County Line Rd., on Wednesday from 5-7 pm and in St. Lucy Church on Thursday from 10-11 am. In memory of Jerry, memorials to his beloved St. Lucy Catholic Church or St. Catherine’s High School have been suggested. A heartfelt note of thanks to Dr. Michael P. Mullane, and his entire staff, for the compassionate care and support that was so warmly extended to Jerry during his battle with cancer. God bless all of you!