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Whitefish Bay High School

Jeremy Beitz Obituary

Peoria - Jeremy "Jerry" Beitz, 62, resident of Fox Point, Wis., formerly of Peoria, Ill., passed away Thursday, Feb. 5, 2009, while vacationing in Florida.

Jerry was born on Dec. 6, 1946, the beloved son of the late William A. and the late Charlene (nee McCarty) Beitz.

He was the loving father of Anna (Mark) Gilbert of Janesville, Wis., and Lara Beitz of Philadelphia, Pa.; proud and adoring grandfather of Jonah and Micah Gilbert; and dear brother of Tony (Toni) Beitz and William (Marie France) Beitz.

He is further survived by other loving relatives and dear friends.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 10. A second visitation will be held from 10 to 11 a.m., the time of services, Wednesday at United Methodist Church of Whitefish Bay, 819 E. Silver Spring Drive.

Memorials in Jerry's name may be directed to: Friends of the Everglades, www.everglades.org; or the American Diabetes Assoc., Milwaukee Office, 2323 N. Mayfair Road, Suite 502, Wauwatosa, WI 53226-1507.

Schmdit & Bartelt Funeral and Cremation Service, 106 W. Silver Spring Drive, Whitefish Bay, Wis., is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences can be made at www.schmidtandbartelt.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Peoria Journal Star on Feb. 8, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Jeremy Beitz

Sponsored by Brigid Bohan.

54 Entries

Joe Hanlon

May 2, 2025

thinking of PHS, brothers and Tony B -- Joe Hanlon

Tony Beitz

February 6, 2025

Sixteene years have passed, and I still miss you as much as that first day. Gosh how I wish I could talk to you. In fact I do talk to you. You just don't talk back, and I have to imagine what you are saying. That sucks, but it keeps us in tune I guess. See you soon, brother. Tony

Tony Beitz

December 6, 2024

Hello, brother. Today is your 78th birthday. As always, tears accompany my words. I miss you so terribly. We are going through such strained times. We have returned to office the same president we elected eight years ago and then wisely turned out of office in 2020. Back then, he had no experience. Now he does. I worry for all weak and voiceless, for the least among us. He preys on them. I worry for your grandsons; but they are strong in faith and wise beyond their years. They will overcome. My granddaughter and grandson will also overcome, but I still worry. I wish you were here to talk me off the ledge. I miss your humor and your wisdom. I just miss you with a bone weary sadness. I love you, Jerry.
Tony

Tony

February 5, 2024

Sorry, Jerry. I should have noted that Lara and Jolene's husband, Aaron, were missing from that photo as well as Jonah.

Tony Beitz

February 5, 2024

Fifteen years since you left us so suddenly. I miss you so much every day. I have written often to you on these pages about your extended family, but I did not know until a few days ago that I could leave of photo of them. So, here it is. August 2019. That's Jolene with her son, Henry, bottom left; to her left is your granddaughter, Norah, and to her left is your grandson, Cody; next Anna with my granddaughter, Aria's arms draped around her, then Mark, standing. Back row left is Paul, then your grandson, Micah, who is bigger than Mark now; then Janelle. Jonah is missing for some reason, but he, too, challenges his father in height. Jonah is now a freshman at Hamline University in St. Paul. I will try to remember to insert a photo of Jonah when I write next. I love you, brother.

Tony Beitz

December 6, 2023

Another year beloved brother. You turn 77 today, and all I can think about is the times we missed-the golf trips, the fishing trips, the jokes, the laughter. I went to your grandson, Jonah´s choral presentation Monday night. He came to dinner afterwards with Toni and me, Janelle, and Jolene and their daughter and son and Jolene´s husband.
Jonah is a freshman at Hamline University in St. Paul. He is an actor and singer, majoring in special education. He must get those acting genes from you. I still remember your tap dancing and ballroom dancing talents. You would be so proud of Jonah. Remember that little guy with those heavy braces on his legs when he went to bed. I know how proud of him you were even then. He and I talked about you Monday.
Janelle´s daughter, Aria Grace (Gracie to me), was born just 19 days after you died. Ah, God, I miss you. Jolene´s son, Henry Anton, was born January of 2014.
I had another hip replaced this year. Actually, the surgery just revised an earlier replacement from 1997. I am doing much better than I expected, but I will not make it to Florida and your resting pond this year. I will think of you though as I do every single day.
Some say no one dies as long as someone thinks of them, in which case you will live at least as long as I do because I will never stop thinking of you and the times we had together and the times we have missed. I love you, Jerry.
Tony

Tony

February 2, 2023

One more year has passed, Jerry. God, how I miss you. We visited, Bill and I, your last repose a few weeks back. A little early this year because I could not get reservations in February. It was three years since I was there because of the pandemic. As has become the habit, we placed an orchid in one of the trees lining the pool. They've cut a few back since I was there last. No alligators sighted, which never happened before. Florida suffered a terrible hurrican last year, and I wonder if it affected the wild life in the area. Some say you never leave if we keep speaking your name. Well, I speak your name every day, dear brother. I hope you hear me.

Tony Beitz

December 6, 2022

Happy birthday, beloved brother. I still miss you more than ever. I talk to you every day. I think the saddest thing I feel about your leaving so early is that you did not get to see your family develop. Boy, would you be proud. Lara continues to kill it in her comedy career. Jonah graduates high school in the spring. I will be there for him and especially for you. Jannie and Jo and my grandchildren, Aria and Henry, will also attend. Aria and your granddaughter, Norah, are close. I miss and love you, Jerry. Until next time, Tony.

Tony

December 5, 2021

Sorry, Jerry, not a "fly" pandemic, a viral pandemic. I have not idea why I typed "fly." I doubt anyone will see this but me, so it will just be our little joke. Fly pandemic. What does that even mean?

Tony

December 4, 2021

Happy 75th birthday, dear brother. It has been a pretty rough two years here. We, well, the world actually, was hit with a fly pandemic almost 2 years ago that shut most everything down for awhile. Then, too soon for me, we opened up only to see the virus come back with a vengeance, and now it is repeating that vengeance. Dismally, it has become a political football, and people are fighting among themselves. . .should we shut down businesses, schools, etc.? It´s a pretty rotten time. Bill and I have not seen each other since February 2020, and we will not wee one another for at least another year plus. I miss him, but I just don´t want to take the chance of going to an airport or even getting on a plane. Most folks are not as conservative but there you have the conundrum.
But enough doom and gloom. The big news for you and all our family is Lara. Did I tell you that she is a comedian? WOW! She is just finishing a national and Canadian tour. She appears regularly at the Comedy Store in LA, where she now resides. In LA, not the Store. She is appearing this weekend in Minneapolis, but the pandemic will prohibit me going. Jolene is going with friends. Anna is coming over with friends to attend. Lara has appeared on national TV. She has a following. Jerry, she´s a star.
She has been sober for years and free of nicotine almost just as long, maybe longer. She has lost weight. She is beautiful. You would be so very, very proud. I just kinda hope that some way, some how you can know this.
I love and miss you, brother. You are in my thoughts every single day.

Tony Beitz

December 6, 2017

Dear Jerry,
This would have been your 71st birthday, and it will soon be nine years since I saw you lastChristmas 2008. Sometimes it seems like an eternity and then just like yesterday. I so much miss our talks, your jokes, our laughter, and our friendship. I think of you every single day. Happy birthday, dear brother.
Tony

December 13, 2012

Bev and I are late but sincere in wishing the best to Jerry's family. Joe and Bev Hanlon, Tampa, FL

Brigid Bohan

July 27, 2011

I knew Jerry as a smart and helpful HUD Chief Counsel. When we all met in Washington for annual counsel meetings, he would find a place where a Celtic band was playing. I will always think of Jerry whenever I hear Irish music. He was a wonderful person.

Mary Colgan

March 1, 2009

On Jerry's passing: My heartfelt sympathy to Tony, William and all the family.

Susan Hurd

February 18, 2009

Jerry was a part of a larger community of attorneys who work in HUD field offices around the country. He was our friend, even though we did not work closely with him and saw him once or twice a year. He will be missed. My deepest sympathy.

Corky & Dee Robertson

February 16, 2009

Tony & Bill: Dee and I were saddened to hear of Jerry's passing. I remember him from his high school days at Peoria High School. He was an excellent athlete and student. Our deepest sympathy to all of Jerry's family. P.S. Tony, stay healthy!

Tony Beitz

February 13, 2009

Jerry is my brother and my friend. My grief in losing him is boundless. No word, no amount of words can describe what he meant to me, how I cherished his wisdom, his insight, his intensity, kindness, and strength. He offered an open hand, a helping hand to everyone he met, and he offered his own special brand of advice and encouragement to the scores who sought it and even to some who didn’t, and they were all the better for it. I was one of them. We saw one another several times a year and spoke two or three times a week. We talked about books and movies, politics, sports, philosophy, friends, and family. We shared good times and bad. He was the best story teller I ever knew and could make the most common event, from negotiating the sale of his car to his choice of cologne to someone’s recipe for frying fish, spill out in a stream of consciousness, full of humorous anecdote after humorous anecdote. I will remember everything about him from how long it took him to get going in the morning to his never wanting to quit a discussion at the end of the evening. I will remember the countless friendships he forged and maintained with high school classmates, professional colleagues, neighbors, and fellow seekers of sobriety. I will remember his love of family—brothers, daughters, grandsons, nieces, nephew, son-in-law. Most of all, I will remember how he made me laugh--not giggle or chuckle, but explode in long, drawn out, therapeutic, belly laughter that went on seemingly forever—the kind of laughter that sometimes made my head ache. I shall miss my brother and my friend, and I shall miss the laughter.

Rhonda Bynum

February 13, 2009

Tony and Bill, I'm in shock and very saddened by Jerry pasting. I still can not believe he is gone. It feels like yesterday we was celebrating Christmas together and now Jerry is gone. I just love talking with him. Especially the election. I could not wait to tell him about my trip to Washington D.C. I will never forget the kind words he told me regarding my writing. It meant the world to me. My prayers are with Tony, Bill, Anna, Lara and the family. God Bless you and the Family.

Bill Beitz

February 12, 2009

Jerry was taken while on his way to Florida for his annual visit with brother Tony and me. He will be missed greatly and while those Februarys in Florida will never be the same, Tony and I will continue to meet to celebrate our brotherhood and our beloved Jerry. But I know Jerry, that you will be a star in the Florida sky on those February evenings. We love you. We'll miss you and we will never ever forget you.

Bonnie Leggo

February 11, 2009

Jerry loved his daughters and grandchildren very much and talked of them often. And I think I convinced him that West Philadelphia could be a safe place to live, Laura. Hearing of his passing was a shock to many in the North Shore community. We shared a love of baseball, coffee and talking with friends. He always had a twinkle in his eye and something to say, no matter how he was feeling. I learned a great deal from this man, especially in the last few months of his life. Thank you Jerry for your words of encouragement and fun loving nature. "I'll say one more thing, and then I'll shut up." Oreos and coffee are perfectly fine vices.

Katie Reinhart

February 11, 2009

Jerry - I thought maybe I would write to you and let you know how deeply I cared about you and our friendship. You have been a wonderful part of my life. I have enjoyed each and every moment shared together. You thoughtfulness, kindness, love for your daughters and grandkids, and your conversation have been an inspiration to me. I want to thank you for your guidance, love and discussions over coffee, hanging Christmas tree lights or putting together my new tv. I miss you terribly already and don't know what we'll do without your presence in our lives. I went to a couple of coffee shops this weekend, I think, looking for you. I think I see you. I know you are here, still looking out for me. I feel you, but am so sad that I can't see you. I saw your picture last night in the paper and couldn't bare the thought of not listening to your stories or seeing your smile on your face. I miss you. I love you.
Katie

Nan Russell (Higgins)

February 11, 2009

Tony and Bill,
My deepest sympathy to you and your family during this very difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Jerry was very special and has touched the lives of many...near and far. I fondly remember many things about Jerry including him sharing photos from vacations (eg Ireland). He was so proud and excited to share the experiences with all of us...okay, so maybe some of his narrations were a bit long but, hey, that's part of what made him special:-) . I feel as though he took us all on a wonderful virtual vacation. Jerry was a pleasure to be around...he knew how to make everyone laugh. For all the joy, wisdom, and healing Jerry imparted on me over the years, I feel blessed to have known him and will always have a part of him in my heart... May he rest in peace and may you find peace in your heart with the memories you have as brothers and friends. Take Care - Nan

Libby Harmon

February 10, 2009

How can I say what is in my heart. Jerry, you will be missed by so many friends, and of course, by your brothers and two daughters, Anna and Lara. I miss you and love you.

Bob Berlan

February 10, 2009

Jerry always left me with something to think about or something to laugh about. He was thought provoking, challenging, serious and hilarious, often all at the same time. He loved his family, loved his friends, hated injustice and loved life. I've lost a good friend, an interesting companion and one of the best baseball buddies in the whole world. I'm sure that that he's peaceful now even though he never got to teach the Brewers how to bunt.

Rosemary Chesher Ashby

February 10, 2009

Words cannot express the saddness I feel for the loss of one of our classmates, he was such a great guy,always with a big smile. Condolences to his family and friends, he will be missed.

Thomas Massouras

February 10, 2009

Jerry, and his sense of humor, will be missed by all. I enjoyed working with him on litigation cases, and will remember him fondly. May he rest in peace.

Ed Beckert

February 10, 2009

I count Jerry as among a handful of people who saved my life. I know this sounds like hyperbole, but Jerry was the kind of intense person who was capable of having this profound an impact on those around him. I'll miss him, but my life is infinitely enriched by the time I got to spend with him.

Del Reynolds

February 10, 2009

Jerry worked at HUD's Milwaukee Office as Chief Counsel since 1980, and he was with the Federal Government since 1975. Throughout the decades he proved to be a dedicated employee, and often exhibited his strong sense of humor. He will be missed by his co-workers, and we wish to convey our condolences to his family and friends for their loss.

Peggy McMahon

February 9, 2009

I have known Jerry for the past four years and have always enjoyed his sense of humor, compassion and zest for life. He will be missed terribly in the north shore community and beyond. He talked often of his beloved children and grandchildren. He also loved those trips to Florida with his brothers. A favorite quote..."I'm going to say one more thing, and then I'll shut up" He will be missed!!!!

paul dribin

February 9, 2009

Jerry was a great friend, a fun guy and cared deeply about justice. I will always fondly remember our lunches where we often argued about ridiculous topics-usually sports and politics. We had not kept in touch in recent years which I regret. He is missed

Gregory Gustin

February 9, 2009

I had the pleasure of being Jerry's friend, and a co-worker at HUD, for about 10-years. Jerry was passionate about everything and everyone he touched: his family, his friends, his work, his golf and his baseball team. He always brought a smile and a fresh, positive outlook to every challenge; attributes that not many of we attorneys possess. We are all better people for the brief time we were allowed to share with Jerry. And, there is some comfort in knowing that Jerry continues to live through those he so positively touched. But, we will miss him greatly.

Kelly Perlson

February 9, 2009

I also want Jerry's family to know that he spoke of you often and loved you more than you can imagine. I miss him alot. I will definitely miss our little talks. I will definitely miss his sense of humor. I am very proud of Jerry and all that he has accomplished. I am more than sure he will rest in peace.

Kathy McMahon

February 9, 2009

Anna and Lara,

I worked in the Milwaukee HUD Office in the early 80's. Your father and I became quick friends as we were both big baseball fans. I cannot think of the 1982 Brewers without thinking of Jerry. We had so much fun that year. I moved on to the Chicago HUD Office but kept in touch with Jerry. He came down here several times to help out with closings. I always looked forward to seeing him. I always wanted to know what book he was currently reading, what he was up to etc. He was such a bright and interesting man. I loved the guy. He loved his daughters so much. He always talked Anna and Lara with so much pride and love. I only got hear about his first grandchild, Jonah, but the smile on Jerry's face when he told me about him could light the darkest sky and I am sure it was the same when he spoke of Micah. I know this is a tough time for you two but just remember your father loved you two so much and hold that in your heart and it will help you get through these dark days.

LaDoris Duncan

February 9, 2009

Jerry was a delightful man to work with. I work in Mortgage Credit at the Chicago office. When our office would get very busy, Jerry would voulunteer to close some of our projects. He really helped us out a lot. He will be greatly missed. I give my condolences to his family.

Frances Lively

February 9, 2009

All of us at HUD will miss Jerry greatly, not only for his personal qualities, which made our meetings a lot more fun, but for his experience and intelligence in commenting on legal issues. His passing is a great loss for all of us. My sincere condolences to his family and office mates.

Shirley Horton

February 9, 2009

I was really shock when told of Jerry's death. I worked with Jerry at HUD. He was a stickler for what you could and could not do regarding policies and proceedures. Jerry was a very funny person at social events. Those that knew him will miss him. Rest in Peace Jerry, now your mind is worry free.

Ellen Dole

February 9, 2009

Jerry was a wonderful man; kind, wise and cheerful, who touched many of us in HUD, not just in Wisconsin, but throughout the country. He was a lynchpin for us, and a great void has been left by his passing. We will miss his probing questions, his generous spirit and his warm heart. My deepest condolences to you at this time.

Gains Hopkins

February 9, 2009

Jerry was not only a dear friend and a gentleman, he was one of the most skilled attorneys that I had the privilege to work with in my many years in the Office of General Counsel at HUD. Aside from taking immense pride in our daughters, Jerry and I had some really challenging assignments, viz. working on several committees to update the antiquated FHA multifamily and health care facility documents. If you can imagine several committees of attorneys attempting to modernize some really outdated, long documents, you will know this was like herding cats. Jerry's presence made the process much more civil and congenial and his substantive and timely contributions should long be remembered. Jerry I shall miss you enormously as you view our little lives from that distant shore!

Mike Knox

February 9, 2009

Toni and Bill
Always looked up to your brother from little league thru high school
He was a great athlete and a great
person

Barb Wimpee

February 9, 2009

I will miss Jerry's wonderful smile and laugh. Jerry was one of the most compassionate and accepting people I have ever known. When he talked about Anna and Lara, you could tell he was filled with such happiness, pride and love. I will miss his welcoming nature, pulling up a chair at the local coffee shop and having great discussions. He touched so many people in his precious life here on Earth. His passing is a great loss to us all.

Ken Becker

February 9, 2009

I've known Jerry for over 20 years on a professional basis through my work with HUD. To all who knew Jerry, I am deeply sorry to hear of his passing. My sincerest sympathies and condolences to all of Jerry's family and friends.

Lana Vacha

February 9, 2009

No matter where he went, Jerry was remembered for both his down to earth advice and his fun-loving spirit. My condolences to his home and HUD families. We have lost our Master of Ceremonies and he will be greatly missed.

Susan John

February 8, 2009

I am going to miss my dear friend, Jerry. He was such a fine person, always there to lend a hand when needed. To Anna, Lara and all of the family, you are in my thoughts and prayers. Jerry dearly loved all of you and spoke of you often . Meetings will not be the same without him - he will be missed.

Josef Bieniek

February 8, 2009

Like many I'm startled,shocked and saddend
at the---disappearance --of this pilgrim from my life. I just met Jerry in the last 3 years within a circle of other pilgrims salvaging their lives from certain ruin. His immediate response to this suffering soul was a kind smile and a sit down to coffee, which he paid for. then a conversation about brothers--his and mine. Haunted by our brief contact the monday night before his departure with his friend to Florida.
We were going to spend some time together when came back. I'm going to miss you dear fellow pilgrim. I'll munch on an Oreo for you. May all this love support you on this next passage. Peace. Josef

Rosalind Glover, Region V, Paralegal Specialist

February 8, 2009

To the family and friends of Jerry, I was saddened to hear of Jerry's untimely passing. He will be missed as part of the HUD Region V family. I would like to extend my deepest condolences to you at this time.

Amy Ruf

February 8, 2009

Jerry was such a dear man. He was truly one of a kind. He was a joy to be around with his great insight, depth and compassion. His words often helped me in ways he could never know. As I've thought of Jerry over the past few days, what comes through the most is how much he loved his daughters and how proud he was of them. It's just not going to be the same around here without Jerry.

karen vanwinkle

February 8, 2009

I am in shock and so sorry for your loss of a great brother ,a great father ,a fantastic grandpa ,who was so proud. He was a terrific classmate who always was in touch never missing an opportunity to come back to his home town. I am deeply saddened over this huge loss. My deepest sympathy to all and you will be in my prayers. His memory will remain forever and I'm proud to have known him.

Ann Terronez

February 8, 2009

Jerry and I met at a coffee shop and grew to be very close. So many times seeing his bright smile made an otherwise difficult day a good day. I will remember him with with love.

Mike Ruf

February 8, 2009

Jerry and I met when I first moved to the Milwaukee area in 2001 and became fast friends. He introduced me to some old buddies of his and we all enjoyed many great rounds of golf together. I'm going to miss him. He was such an avid reader, great conversationalist, and baseball fan...but especially, I'm going to miss those rounds of golf.

My deepest condolences to all family and friends of Jerry…

Lewis Nixon

February 8, 2009

I was the Regional Counsel for almost 20 years. Jerry was my Chief Counsel in Milwaukee for that entire period. I have never had a finer attorney working for me. He was hard working, dedicated and intelligent.

Please accept my condolensces on your terrible loss.

Phil and Cindy Shotton

February 8, 2009

Jerry and Phil have been friends since high school. Some of the best times of our lives were spent with Jerry. We last saw him in October and he seemed happy and fulfilled. We are grieving and are in disbelief. He will be greatly missed. Anna and Lara, please contact us.

Robin Bloomenshine Story

February 8, 2009

My condolences to the family. I knew Jerry at Peoria High School. He was a fine young man and an example to the rest of us. I've seen him at a few reunions and it was clear he made his life a success.

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