Jerome W. "Jerry" Meyer

1933 - 2017

Meyer, Jerome W. "Jerry"

If the world seems a little duller, and the usual spark of happiness that is usually present is missing, it is because we lost a beloved Irishman today. Jerome W. "Jerry" Meyer, 84, Green Bay, passed away, Friday, December 8, 2017 at his residence. He was born in Manitowoc on June 24, 1933, son of Roland C. and Leona (Walsh) Meyer.

Jerry attended St. Boniface Catholic Grade School, and graduated from Lincoln High School with the class of 1951. He also graduated from UWGB, in 1978. Jerry served in the U.S. Army in Germany from 1956 to 1958.

He married Mary Catherine Crowley on July 14, 1956, at St. Paul Catholic Church in Manitowoc, and she went with him to Germany to serve his tour of duty. It was there, in Frankfurt, that their daughter, Terri was born.

Jerry's career was spent in Industrial Engineering, Cost Accounting, Labor Relations and Safety.

He was employed by Northern Shoe Company, Pulaski; Brierwood Shoe Corporation, DeWitt, Arkansas; Carver Boat Corp, Pulaski; and Pioneer Metal Finishing Corp., Green Bay. While in Arkansas, Jerry was very active in community activities, especially in the Jaycees, and County Chairman of the March of Dimes program. His accomplishments resulted in him being nominated as one of Arkansas' outstanding young men. He really enjoyed his time there.

Jerry and Mary were blessed with three children, Terri Refsguard, Brian J. Meyer, and Kathryn Marie (Frank) Suring; five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

When his family returned to Wisconsin in 1970, Jerry became very involved in church and other activities. He was an active member of St. Jude Parish, serving on the Parish Council, lector, distributor, and served on commissions. He also braided palms from Palm Sunday for family and friends. Jerry was an active member of the Knights of Columbus Council #5382 serving as Grand Knight in 1990-1991 when his council received the Star Council Award. He was also a 4th Degree Knight in the Marquette Assembly serving on the Honor Guard.

He was happy to be part of other organizations such as The Shamrock Club, where he was selected "Irish Person of the Year", the Ancient Order of Hibernians, the Handsome Men's Club and performed skits at nursing homes with the "Skylite Players" for over 16 years.

His hobbies included camping, bicycling (his goal each year was 1000 miles), traveling, following the Packers as a season ticket holder, Badgers, Notre Dame football, Brewers baseball, and golf; as well as dancing with Mary, braiding Easter Palms every year for family and friends, Thursday breakfast with their friends, and spreading joy by being Santa for family and friends for many years.

He is survived by his wife Mary; two daughters, Terri Refsguard, Kathy (Frank) Suring; "adopted" daughter, Kris Olson; grandchildren, Jennifer Tapia, Amy (Matt) Zittlow, Patrick Refsguard, Katie Cegelski, and Ryan Cegelski; and five great-grandchildren, Anthony, Eduardo, Imer, Avelyn, and Grace. He is also survived by two sisters and a brother-in-law: Elaine Meyer, Wausau; and Carol (Lawrence) Lamont, Malone; cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Brian; sister, Agnes Olayvar; two sisters-in law and five brothers-in-law; and his good friend, Bernie Phelps.

Friends may call at Blaney Funeral Home, 1521 Shawano Ave., from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday followed by a Parish Wake Service at 7 p.m. Friends may also call at St. Jude Catholic Church, 1420 Division St., from 10 to 11 am. Tuesday. The Mass of Resurrection will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday with Rev. Donald Everts officiating. Entombment will be in the Allouez Chapel Mausoleum. To send online condolences, please go to www.BlaneyFuneralHome.com.

The family extends a special thank you to his sisters, Carol and Elaine; special friend, Jane; and the staff of Unity Hospice.