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Jerome Abraham Obituary

Abraham, Jerome B. (Jerry)

Jerome B. (Jerry) Abraham of De Pere, WI, died on April 24, 2014 after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born on January 21, 1932, in Oshkosh, WI, to the late Rueben and Myrtle Abraham. He attended Howlett, a one room school in Van Dyne, WI, from 1937 -1943. In Fond Du Lac he attended Lincoln School, Roosevelt Junior High, and Goodrich High School where he graduated in 1949. Jerry went to the University of Wisconsin-Madison, graduating in 1957 with a Bachelor's of Music Degree in 1957 and Masters of Music in 1965. He was a music educator in the Dodgeville, WI, Public Schools from 1957-1960 teaching both band and chorus. His teaching career then continued at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay; there he spent 28 years as an Associate Professor of Music. Note: He was the first full time music teacher at UW-GB and started the first Summer Music Camps at that institution.

Jerry was not only a music teacher but also a soldier serving in the Wisconsin National Guard in Fond Du Lac and Madison and also serving his country in the United States Army of Occupation in Germany from 1954-1956. He was honorably discharged in 1956.

As a performing trombonist, Jerry was privileged to play in a wide variety of groups: the Badger Symphony and the Military Band in Fond Du Lac; the University of Wisconsin-Madison's various concert groups and the Marching Band—the highlight of this experience being marching in the 1953 Rose Bowl Parade and performing at the game; the Third Division Band; the Seventh Army Jazz Band; the Symphony Orchestra, Packer Band, and the Last of the Big Bands, all in Green Bay; and many dance and show bands.

Jerry's interests other than music were RVing, extensive national and international travel, model airplanes, and cultural events. He was also a member of Faith Lutheran Church in Green Bay for 30 years.

Survivors include: his wife of 53 years, Ellen M. Abraham; a daughter, Robin R. Abraham of Menomonie, WI; another daughter, Melody M. Wilkins of Tracy, CA; two grandsons, Noah and Nigel Wilkens of Tracy, CA; two brothers-in-law; one niece; and seven nephews.

Preceding him in death were his parents and three sisters: Marjorie Rehbein, Joyce Craig, and Fern Kirkpatrick.

Family and friends may call Tuesday, April 29, 2014 from 9:00 a.m. until the hour of Memorial Service at 11:00 a.m. at Faith Lutheran Church, 2335 S. Webster Ave., Green Bay, with the Rev. Joshua Errer officiating. Full military honors will follow the service. Lunch will then be served at the church. Entombment will be in the Shrine of the Good Shepherd Mausoleum. Cotter Funeral Home is assisting the family. Online condolences may be expressed at www.cotterfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers or other expressions of sympathy, a Memorial Fund has been established in Jerome's name for scholarships at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay.



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

Published by Green Bay Press-Gazette from Apr. 27 to Apr. 28, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Jerome Abraham

Not sure what to say?





Cindy Schroeder Garthwait

January 17, 2015

I was a freshman in high school in Dodgeville, WI when Mr. Abraham started teaching there. He was a great influence on all of us in many ways. I was a clarinet player and drum major, and gained much from his input and guidance. My sister Susan Schroeder Bateman also was in the band and liked him. My mother, Helen Schroeder Larson was an English teacher in the high school program, and thought of Mr. Abraham as a valued colleague. Our sympathies on your loss

August 4, 2014

And no resident will say: “I am sick…”Isa 33:24. We can be sure of this reality because God has promised as seen from his divine words about the near future; perhaps you or I may see those missing from our lives due to sickness or tragic injury that lead to death. Prayers go out to the surviving family and friends.

May 17, 2014

I love the fact that Mr. Abraham was a gifted talent in music. My brothers and I were music majors in school, one of them being a trombonist just like Jerome. Music is my passion and I'm sure Jerome showed it in his career. I would like to give my sincerest condolences to the Abraham. A precious loss indeed. My prayers go out to them as well.

Mark Burditt

April 29, 2014

My deepest condolences to the Abraham family. Jerry was one of the first people I met at UWGB. I will never forget his kindness and generosity, and will always consider myself blessed for having known him as a teacher, mentor, and friend.

Mark & Mollie Schuster

April 29, 2014

Dearest Ellen,

Celebrating the great love that you and Jerry shared! And knowing his faith in Jesus has him in the presence of our Lord will bring you comfort during this time of great loss! We are lifting you and your family in prayer!

In His Love,

Doris

April 28, 2014

Deepest sympathy is extended to the Family of Mr. Jerome Abraham may fond
memories help to console you at this
time.

Greg Sauve

April 28, 2014

My condolences to the Abraham family. Jerry was a huge influence in my life, and I deeply value having known him.

David Roebke

April 28, 2014

I didn't know Jerome personally, but any loss to our club will be missed.

Michael Arendt

April 28, 2014

Dear Ellen, Robin, Melody and family. I am so very sorry for your loss in hearing of the passing of Jerry. Jerry was a dear friend and colleague for many years. I have so many fond memories of working with him at UWGB, UWGB Music Camps, and the Green Bay Symphony, etc. His contributions to music and the arts in the Green Bay area will never be forgotten. With sincere sympathy, Mike Arendt

Michael J. Arendt
Professor Emeritus of Music, UW-Manitowoc, Conductor/Music Director, UW Manitowoc Lakeshore Wind Ensemble.

Kevin Collins

April 28, 2014

So sorry to hear of Jerry's passing. He had a positive impact on so many thousands of music students and his legacy continues at UWGB today.

Jeff Gretzinger

April 28, 2014

Sincere sympathies to the entire Abraham family. Not only was Mr. Abraham an inspiration at UWGB, but the Switzerland trip (including Draculas Castle) and sitting next to Jerry in Green Bay Symphony will forever bring a smile. Jerome Abraham truly made a positive difference in many, many lives.

dave gardner

April 28, 2014

My condolences. Jerry will be missed as a musician and friend

ed & dee bedore

April 28, 2014

Jerry was a GREAT musician friend of ours. our deepest sympathy. A key player in "the last of the big bands".

Robert Derginer

April 27, 2014

I enjoyed Jerome as a member of the Green Bay Model Air plane club at our field,and being invited to listen to his big band music. At riverside .Jerome will be there,and watching over us,when we open our new field,that he never got to us.Jerome will be posted on our decease member board.

Tom Halloin

April 27, 2014

Sincere condolences to the Abraham family. Jerry was an excellent teacher and mentor, who generously shared his time and his passion for life and great music.

Shele and Gary Fawcett

April 27, 2014

Ellen,
Our sympathy on the passing of Jerry.

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