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Gerald Drake Obituary
Gerald L. Drake Sr. "Jerry" passed peacefully surrounded by family on Monday morning June 17, 2013 at a local hospital. He was born March 19, 1945 to Carol Drake and the late Charles Drake. Jerry was a veteran of the United States Navy. On October 22, 1966 he married Dianne Becks. An avid outdoors man, he loved to spend his time fishing and go to his cabin. Jerry retired from WLUK TV11 where he worked as a Master Control Operator. In his earlier years at Channel 11 Jerry played Bozo the clown on TV as well as hosting Uncle Jerry's Clubhouse Pow. Along with Bart Starr, Jerry also was active in Raw Hide Boy's Ranch. He was also actively involved with the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon for 20+ years, and in the charter of special needs summer camps. Jerry was a loving husband, father, papa and friend, who would provide for anyone in need. His sense of humor and positive attitude always lightened the mood, right up until the end. Jerry is survived by his loving wife Dianne, his children; Danielle (Jeff) Walbrun, Stacey (Steve) Carew, Jerry (Special Friend Sarah) Drake Jr., and Jason (Tracie) Drake. Further surviving him are his grandchildren; Zachary, Brett, Morgan, Kristina, Grace, Katelyn, Lexie, and J.J., as well as his Mother Carol Drake, and brothers, Dale (JoAnn) Drake, and Tom (Dee) Drake. As well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and dear friends. Jerry was preceded in death by his father, Charles.
Friends may call at the RYAN FUNERAL HOME 305 N. Tenth Street in De Pere after 11am on Saturday June 22, 2013 until time of service at 2pm, with Fr. Tim Shillcox O.Praem officiating. Please go to www.ryanfh.com to send online condolences to the family.
Thanks to Dr. Ruth Warren, NP Marcy and all staff from GB Oncology, as well as the incredible 3rd floor staff at St. Mary's and Unity Hospice for their loving care of not only Jerry, but of our entire family.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Gerald Drake
Laura VanBoxel
June 21, 2013
Our Prayers and thoughts to your family in your time of Sorrow. May your memories of Jerry ease the pain of your loss. Where there is sadness love plants a garden of memories.
With Our Deepest Sympathy,
The Family Of Frieda(Drake) Hansen
Laura VanBoxel
Glen Loyd
June 20, 2013
During my time at TV-11, Jerry was always a nice man...helpful, sense of humor, cheerful..always a smile. Lately it's been my pleasure to see him with his grown children and grandchildren on Facebook, Nice family,too! Glen Loyd
Gene Moore
September 14, 2013
Jerry and I were friends and shipmates on the USS Observation Island. I spent some time in Green Bay after I got out of the Navy, and always found it histerical that he would become Bozo the Clown. One of the nicest and most upbeat guys I have ever known. RIP Jerry.
June 20, 2013
Sorry to hear of your loss, we always enjoyed our times with your family at Crivitz. Bob and Jan Kafka.
Rob and Carol Gezella
June 20, 2013
Diane,
I am so sorry to hear of Jerry's passing. This is way to young and retirement cut way to short. Thank god for family and friends. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of you.
Lynn Rickert-Steeno
June 20, 2013
Danielle, Jeff and Zach - we were so sorry to hear about your father's passing. From what I have read about him, he was truly unique and will be missed terribly by many. Remember, we are only a backyard away.
William Kerkhof
June 20, 2013
I worked with Jerry at WLUK for three years. He was an inspiring man and was liked by all he worked with. I appreciated his work ethic and enthusiasm for his job. he will be missed.
Kat Ballinger
June 20, 2013
Jason and Tracie and family,
I am so sorry for your loss.. I cannot tell you how sad I am for all of you! My thoughts and prayers are with your entire family during this time! He is in the arms of our Lord now. God Bless! Love, Kat Ballinger
Virginia Saxe
June 20, 2013
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
June 20, 2013
I gonna miss a good friend and neighbor.We had good times he as always there for me made me smile. Was a good listener. I will never forget the time under the trailor to fix a leak with Jerry and his mom Carol when I got beamed in the head from the water. Wow to funny. Iam gonna miss him dearly he will always be in my heart and never be forgotten. My dearest syphathy to the family I love you all. May GOd be with you at all times. Love Louie an Family
Nancy & Jean LaBorde
June 19, 2013
Dianne and Family~
Our love and prayers to you all...so sorry to hear about Jerry...What a guy!!! Too many great times and stories shared over the years up in Crivitz. We hope to make it down on Saturday to say Good bye...Our love
Heidi and William Kerkhof
June 19, 2013
Although it has been a few years since we have seen him, we have nothing but wonderful memories of Jerry at WLUK TV. Our favorite story was when Bill was interviewing for a job at UWO and Jerry was kind to write him a letter of recommendation. When he handed the letter to Bill he said, "You better get this job or I will kick your a$$." Needless to say, Bill got the job and Jerry didn't need to kick him. :)
June 19, 2013
Dianne, So sorry to hear of the loss of
Jerry. Our prayers are with you and your family.
Rest in peace Jerry.
Lila & Dennis Barlament
Mary Hardie-Roze
June 19, 2013
My condolences to the family. I remember Jerry well from the years that Jason was my student. May he rest in peace.
Jamie Van De Hei
June 19, 2013
Stacey so sorry to hear about your dad. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Laurie Presteen
June 19, 2013
Dianne, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
James Stordock
June 19, 2013
Nobody could tell a sea story quite like Jerry! I'm saddened to hear of his passing. Fair winds, and following seas, my friend. My thoughts and prayers to the family.
Debbie Nitka (Boyea)
June 19, 2013
My condolences to the Drake Family. I babysat for the kids when they were little and will always remember Jerry as a very cheerful and happy person. I am sure you will all have very good memories to help you through losing him.
Connie Wilke
June 18, 2013
Keeping your Family in thoughts and prayers,
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Ryan Funeral Home & Crematory - De Pere305 N. Tenth Street, De Pere, WI 54115
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