Jerome C. Motz

After a long life well-lived, Jerome "Jerry" Charles Motz, 94, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, peacefully passed away in the comfort of his home on Friday, August 1, 2025.

Jerry was born on February 20, 1931, in Milwaukee, and the best and most important events of his life all took place in his beloved home city. He was a proud graduate of Don Bosco High School, Class of 1949, and Marquette University, Class of 1954, with a bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering.

On July 26, 1958, he was united in marriage to Kathleen Peelen at St. Veronica Parish, and then he and Kathy lived on Milwaukee's far South Side where they raised their four children. Jerry is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 67 years, Kathy, son James (Julie), daughter Leanne (Gregory) Robb, daughter Amy (Brett) Gardner and son Christopher (Sheri). He was beloved "Poppa" to 11 grandchildren: Jenna (Jacob Glahn) Motz and Erica (Nicholas Johnson) Motz; Elizabeth (Alexander) George, Joseph (Brittany) Robb and Rebecca (Nicholas) Dalton; Matthew (Andrea) Gardner, Julia (Mark) Lisi and Nicholas Gardner; and Emily, Abby and Ryan Motz. Five great-grandchildren always brought a smile to his face: Gabriel, Gregory and Genevieve George, and Layla and Aidan Robb. He is also survived by nieces, nephews, and cousins in the US and Germany.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents Rudolph and Monica Motz, and his sister and brother-in-law, Rita (James) Dix.

Growing up near Humboldt Park, Jerry lived a wonderful life filled with the simple pleasures of the time. He loved playing and watching baseball, enjoyed all that Boy Scouts offered, and worked at various jobs like many youth of the Depression era. After graduating from Marquette University he fulfilled his duty in the U.S. Army for two years of active service, most of that time at White Sands Proving Grounds (Missile Range) in New Mexico.

Jerry worked his entire career, retiring in 1992, for Nordberg (Rexnord) Manufacturing Company specializing in the development and operation of crushers for worldwide mining operations.

In the late 1960s he found the perfect piece of lake property in upper Michigan which became the site for decades of family fun: fishing, golfing, swimming and countless lively rounds of sheepshead. The cottage at Silver Lake was his place to truly relax and enjoy life with his family.



Sports always played a prominent role in Jerry's life. He was an avid Packers fan (and season ticket holder starting in the early 1960s), a Marquette basketball fan, and was a loyal Brewers fan until the very end. He immensely enjoyed golfing, bowling and playing softball in leagues for many years. His grandchildren will always remember that he was a loyal spectator for all their school sports, dance and musical events.

Jerry traveled thousands of miles for work to all corners of the world and once he retired he and Kathy continued to visit new and familiar locales.

Private family services held at St. Roman Parish where Jerry and Kathy have been members since 1958.

Jerry's family extends a heartfelt thank you to Aurora Home Hospice for the kind and compassionate care they gave Jerry in his final days, especially Rachel, Amanda, Jill and Jessica.

If desired, memorials in Jerry's name may be made to "Tunnel to Towers Foundation" (t2t.org).