Name: Calling hours for Jerry M. Dufek
Start: 2015-01-26T15:00:00.000Z
End: 2015-01-26T17:00:00.000Z
Location: St. Agnes Catholic Church

Dufek, Jerry M.

Jerry M. Dufek, 84, Green Bay, formerly of Milwaukee, died Wednesday, January 21, 2015. He was born June 4, 1930, in Milwaukee to Charles and Leona (Fischer) Dufek.

Jerry attended St. Norbert College with the encouragement of Tom Heardon, the college's football coach. After a year, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and served his country in the Korean War where he fought in the front lines of the war. Following his honorable discharge, Jerry returned to St. Norbert College to complete his schooling where he earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Education. His accomplishments there were many, among them was that he was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in 1954, and was inducted into the St. Norbert College Hall of Fame in 1989, and too many more to mention.

During college he met Ethel Wendricks and they were married on May 14, 1955 at St. Patrick Catholic Church. Together they have three wonderful children and five wonderful grandchildren. Once his children were born, Jerry attended Central Michigan University to earn his Master's Degree. His first job was at the new Preble High School when it first opened in 1955. He taught biology and coached football and track for 11 years. In 1966, Jerry moved on to Green Bay West High School where he taught Physical Education, Drivers Education, and accepted the head coaching position for the high school's varsity football team. For 20 years he refereed as a state official for high school wrestling and football. He retired in 1992 to start enjoying golfing, reading, cooking, fishing and gardening - especially tomato plants.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Ethel; children and their spouses, Kim and Jim Kronenberg, Tina and Anthony Sullivan, Craig and Amy Dufek; grandchildren, Tya and Kevin Reeder, Cory Kronenberg, Alex Dufek, Mia Dufek, Natalie Dufek; one great-grandchild, Kase Reeder; two brothers, Charles "Chuck" and Rita Dufek, Gregg and Susan Dufek; two sisters-in-law, Doris Rosin, Ruth (Paul) Kirane; brother-in-law, Fred (Bernadette) Wendricks; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, mother-in-law and father-in-law; two brothers, Robert and Marvin Dufek; and a sister, Patricia Frinzi.

Friends may call at St. Agnes Catholic Church, 1484 Ninth St., from 9 to 11 a.m. Monday. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Monday at the church with Rev. Patrick C. Beno officiating. Entombment will be in Allouez Chapel Mausoleum. Blaney Funeral Home is assisting the family. To send online condolences, please go to www.BlaneyFuneralHome.com.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established to benefit St. Norbert College Athletics in Jerry's name.

Jerry's family would like to extend a special thank you to the staffs of Bellin Hospital and Unity Hospice.

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

Published by Green Bay Press-Gazette from Jan. 23 to Jan. 24, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Jerry Dufek

17 Entries

Dan Blohowiak

January 29, 2015

You inspired me as an athlete and as a person, rest well coach!

Dan Blohowiak Preble Calss of 68

Robert Stocki

January 27, 2015

Dear Ethel & Family: My sincere condolences to you and your family. Jerry was a good teacher and coach. He enjoyed playing golf at "The Woods" and usually had a pleasant smile to share regardless of his score. I especially remember seeing both of you on Wednesdays during Lent at Nativity Church where my wife & I attended the same services. My love and prayers are with you in your time of sorrow.

Trask LeNoble

January 27, 2015

Craig & Family,

My thoughts and Prayers are with you and your family during this troubling time. I hope you are able to find peace in this troubling time

Rick

January 25, 2015

Mr. Dufek was a wonderful teacher at West. My you find peace in the heavens.

January 25, 2015

Uncle Jerry was my godfather. I was always excited to visit Uncle Jerry and his family. My mother frequently spoke of her brother with much admiration and pride. I idolized Uncle Jerry. He was everything I wanted to be fun, intelligent, personable, and strong.

January 25, 2015

I was in his Biology class at Preble. Graduated in 1962. He was a great teacher. He and all teachers like him will be sadly missed.
Ruth Johnson

Paula (Fadeski) Dobbs

January 25, 2015

Dear Mrs. Dufek, Kim, Tina, Craig & family, Sending thoughts of sympathy at this difficult time for you. Many years have gone by since the days of being neighbors and a friend of Kim's but I remember your family fondly. May the love you share comfort you.

Tim Baumgart

January 25, 2015

Peaceful travels Coach!! Thanks for everything that you did for us at West.

E R

January 25, 2015

My condolences,sorry for your loss of love one. Psalms 33:11,29,

Mary Jo Kain

January 24, 2015

Jerry was a great guy , he lived at my parents house (Mickey & Millie Kain ) while at St Norbert's. You are all in my thoughts $ prayers. God bless .

lucy zeinert

January 24, 2015

As a 1970 grad. from West High school I remember Jerry as an awesome drivers ed. instructor. A rare individual he was to really care and be there for his students. My husband also a West High teacher passed into eternal life 4 years ago. I'm sure Jim and Jerry are reminiscing old times right now.
Lucy Zeinert

Roger Dier

January 24, 2015

Mr. Dufek was an outstanding teacher. Had him for Driver's Ed in the last semester it was offered at Green Bay West. Mr. Dufek came in one morning to Driver's Ed class, sat on his desk and weaved a 10-minute tale of how he got in an accident on his way to work that morning and the lady he hit was in the hospital. Lot's of detail of how he was when he got in his car that morning--mad about something that happened at home, had the radio on and other distractions that affected his driving that day. Described the moment of the accident like it really happened. Except that it had not happened, but he made up that story to illustrate the dangers of not paying attention. I believed him during his telling. How good of a teacher was he? The imprint of that lesson remains in this brain 46 years later.

bob harrill

January 24, 2015

jerry and kas were a team ,I will never forget them from the franz ave days.they were always there to help us kids.

MIKE ROUTHIEAUX

January 23, 2015

COACH DUFEK WAS MY HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL AND TRACK COACH AT PREBLE-HE WAS THE BEST FOOTBALL COACH I EVER HAD AND THE REASON I WAS ABLE TO PLAY COLLEGE FOOTBALL-BEYOND THE COACHING, AS A PLAYER YOU WANTED TO DO THE VERY BEST FOR HIM-A SPECIAL MAN , WHO WILL ALWAYS HAVE A SPECIAL SPOT IN MY HEART

Steve Hassler

January 23, 2015

Thanks for everything.

January 23, 2015

You will be missed my friend...

January 23, 2015

Ethel and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Jerry was a great biology teacher, as I first remember him. Later always a friend. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time.
Lois Rymer Manders

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