Service Details
Funeral services celebrating Jerry’s life will be held in Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on Tuesday, August 20, 2024 at 10:00 am with Pastor Laura Fladten officiating. Interment will take place in West Lawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Tuesday from 9:00 – 10:00 am.
Memorial Suggestions
Memorials to the “Racine Yacht Club Youth Foundation” have been suggested.
Racine – Gerald Roger Nitz, age 88, passed away peacefully at St. Monica’s Senior Living on Monday, August 12, 2024.
Jerry was born in Racine on March 17, 1936 to the late Herman and Hazel (nee: Hannon) Nitz. After graduating from Horlick High School, he went on to begin a lifetime career as a Tool & Die Maker at JI Case Company (CNH). Shortly after, he was called to duty with the United States Air Force. However, as a skilled tradesman, the military discharged him to go back to JI Case where his skills as a tool and die maker were much needed. Jerry retired from Case (CNH) in 1992 after 38 years of service.
On February 15, 1958 in Holy Communion Lutheran Church, Jerry was united in marriage with the love of his life, Cynthia (nee: Geyer) Nitz. A part of Jerry died with Cyndi when she passed away on March 3, 2019.
Jerry was a longtime member of Holy Communion Lutheran Church. With a great passion for sailing, he was a life member and active with Racine Yacht Club. In recent years, nothing made Jerry happier than being together with his grandchildren & great-grandchildren. A gentlemen’s gentleman, Jerry was always kind, positive and sweet; rarely complained about anything and never raised his voice. The world needs more people in it like Gerald “Jerry” Nitz.
Surviving are his devoted sons, Timothy Nitz, Christopher (Janet) Nitz and Jeffrey (Cinthia) Nitz; dear grandchildren, Joshua Kuhl, Jacob Nitz, Tony Nitz, Jonathon (fiancé, Lexi McCluskey) Nitz and Gregory Nitz; adored great-grandchildren, Malachi, Otto, Clara and Lakely Nitz; brother, Warren Nitz; sister-in-law, Ellen Geyer; brother-in-law, David McGrain; nieces, nephews, other relatives, Yacht Club & sailing family and friends.
In addition to his parents and wife, Jerry was preceded in death by his twin infant sons, Gregory Jon Nitz and Gerald Roger Nitz, Jr. in 1960; sisters-in-law, Donna Nitz, Sue (Ron) Jones and Karen McGrain; brother-in-law, Gordon Geyer; and by Cynthia’s parents, Theodore and Florence (nee: Olsen) Geyer.
Funeral services celebrating Jerry’s life will be held in Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on Tuesday, August 20, 2024 at 10:00 am with Pastor Laura Fladten officiating. Interment will take place in West Lawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Tuesday from 9:00 – 10:00 am. Memorials to the “Racine Yacht Club Youth Foundation” have been suggested.
A heartfelt note of thanks to everyone at St. Monica’s Senior Living and to St. Croix Hospice for the compassionate care and support given in Jerry’s time of need. Also, many thanks to our family & friends for the continuous thoughts & prayers and many acts of kindness extended when we needed it most. May God bless all of you!
Becky Jones says
Always a kind soul that Uncle Jerry. Condolences to all of you. Forever in my heart are your mom and dad.
Beth McGrain says
A lovely tribute to a wonderful man. The words that come to mind are that he was a kind and gentle soul. Sail on, uncle Jerry. Fair winds and following seas.
Jim 'DOC' Poplawski says
Deepest Sympathy on your loss.
Jim ‘DOC’ Poplawski, Chairman, UAW Local 180 Retirees
Shirly Meyer (Caskey) from JCPenney says
I’m so sorry Christopher (& Janet) on the loss of your father. Prayers, love and hugs to your family to help find peace and remember him in all the great things you did as a family. ❤️🙏
Gary Veenstra says
Jerry was one of the nicest people you could meet. He sailed across Lake Michigan in his Catalina 22 and now he’s doing it again.
Sherika R Cole says
He will be missed by staff at st. Monica’s dearly.
Brian Ginnie & Family says
He was generous and kind uncle, sailor and a good man with a fun sense of humor.
We will miss him.