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BORN
1945
DIED
2025
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Gerald Wridt Obituary
November 22, 1945 - July 16, 2025
RACINE - Gerald (Jerry) A. Wridt, 79, passed away on Wednesday, July 16, 2025 at Hospice House in Pleasant Prairie after a 3-month battle with kidney failure.
Jerry was born in Racine on November 22, 1945, to Alfred and Emma (nee: Kristopeit) Wridt. He graduated from Park High School in 1963 and furthered his education at Gateway Technical College. He was a designer at Snap-On Tools, retiring in 2004 with 10 patents. He proudly served in the United States Army in Viet Nam from October 1966 to October 1967.
In his younger years, Jerry was in the Racine Kilties. He enjoyed capturing life's images through photography and expressed his creativity by drawing many cartoon characters for his family and friends. He had a lifelong love of music and musicals. Jerry was most known for his unrivaled passion for golf, which included scoring 5 holes in one. He enjoyed his 50+ years of Saturday golf at Johnsons Park and his many golf trips, especially visiting Bay Hill Club and meeting Arnold Palmer.
Jerry married Sally Sabo on April 17, 1971. Their 54 years of marriage included 11 years of snowbirding in Florida. Jerry enjoyed frequent hikes with family and was able to hike the Grand Canyon. He was a staunch supporter of his daughters throughout life's ups and downs and was eager to cheer on his daughters and grandchildren in their music and sporting activities. He and Sally brought joy to his granddaughters by jumping in the autumn leaves together every year. He always had quick wit to add to any conversation.
Jerry will be dearly missed by his wife of 54 years, Sally Wridt; daughters and sons-in-law, Susan (Brian) Kortendick and Karen (Nick) Schmit; granddaughters, Hannah and Eliana Kortendick; step-grandsons, Nick Schmit and Alex Alberghetti-Schmit; brother-in-law, Alex (Beth) Sabo; nephews, Michael (Lisa) Wridt and Mark Wridt; niece, Pamela (Robert Sauve) Wridt; extended family and dear friends from Racine and Florida. A special thank you to his friend, Dan Garamone.
Visitation for Jerry will be held at the funeral home on Monday, July 21, 2025, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Memorial Service will follow at 6 p.m. Memorials to Veterans Outreach of Wisconsin, 1609 Yout Street, Racine, Wisconsin 53404, have been suggested.
The family would like to thank the doctors and staff at Ascension, Froedert and especially his favorite care givers at Hospice House, Amy, Zelma and Sheila.
Purath-Strand
Funeral Home & Crematory
3915 Douglas Avenue
Racine, WI 53402
(262) 639-8000
www.purath-strand.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Gerald Wridt
6 Entries
Michelle Garramone
July 22, 2025
I´m so sorry for your loss. Jerry was a wonderful friend to my dad, and their bond meant so much to him. Some of my dad´s happiest memories were made out on the golf course with Jerry-laughing, talking, and enjoying each other's company. Please know our family is holding you in our hearts during this time.
- Michelle Garramone, Daughter of Dan Garramone
Nicholas Schmit
July 21, 2025
Sending you condolences and all our love to all of your family at this sad time. A donation is being made to the Animal Humane Society in Jerry's name. Karen and Nick Schmit (the elders).
Richard Krummel
July 21, 2025
I played golf with Jerry many times. My deepest condolences to your family.
Danny Garramone III
July 21, 2025
I had the pleasure of golfing with Jerry and my Dad in Dover, Florida for a couple of years. Jerry epitomized accurate golfing. His shot wasn't the longest one amongst the group, but my God, it was constantly straight. How do I know this? Each hole was the same scenario: Jerry walking straight down the fairway to the green, myself following a zig-zag pattern down the same fairway. I will forever remember this time with Jerry and my Dad. Thank you for these great memories Jerry. May you rest in peace.
Al Hagopian
July 20, 2025
Going to miss his smile and quick wit at golf course, having enjoyed since teenage years.
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Purath-Strand Funeral Home & Crematory3915 Douglas Avenue, Racine, WI 53402
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