Gerald Rochon

Florence - Gerald "Jerry" "Fuzz" Rochon was born on May 23, 1959, in Crystal Falls, Mich. He died alone, in his sleep, in his apartment in Appleton, Wis., on 12/19/2021. He left this world surrounded by love. He loved his family and friends deeply; he was well-loved in return. Jerry was kind, generous, and compassionate. He was a sensitive soul. He gave the absolute best hugs. Despite his long addiction, he worked hard for the majority of his life and supported himself. He was fiercely independent and proud. He never wanted people to feel sorry for him, nor did he want anyone's charity - except he was thrifty. No matter how down and out he may have been at various points in his life, he was always helpful to those he met. He preferred to give away what he had. With his generosity of spirit, Jerry was richer than most. He set a fine example for all of us.
Jerry was proud of his years in the service, both in the Army and then the Marines. He enjoyed volunteering to help veterans whenever he could. He was also proud of his Menominee and Absentee Shawnee heritage. In addition to time spent with family and friends, Jerry enjoyed hunting, fishing, and gardening. He never met a dog he didn't love. Jerry had a wonderful sense of humor and liked to joke around. He often made people laugh - both intentionally and unintentionally. He was nicknamed "Fuzz" when he was a kid. After he recently lost his two front teeth, he said, "I've gone from Fuzz to Fang." No matter how feeble his body and mind became, his sense of humor persisted. His family and friends will miss his humor, his kindness, his humble ways, and his hugs.
Jerry is survived by his sisters and brother: Kathy Neuens, Aurora; Fritzee (Roger) Muench, Seymour; Beanie (Don Leffler) and Steve (Lynn) Rochon, Florence; Yvonne Rochon (Larry Bohl), Appleton and Andrea "Andy" (Greg) Lemke-Rochon, Stockbridge. He is also survived by his Auntie Babe, Crofton, MD, close cousins Mary Kay, Julie, and David Thad Rochon, who were like siblings to him, among his many cousins. He was loved by many nieces and nephews and was especially proud of being a Godfather to his niece, Michelle Leffler. He will be missed by his longtime and most loyal friends, Brent and Jackie Dalla Grana. We will all miss him very much.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents: Fritz and Elaine Rochon; grandparents: Claude & Katherine Rochon; Andrew & Ada Cuellar; nephew, Corey Podnar; brother-in-law Ray Neuens; Uncle Claude and Auntie June Rochon, who he was especially close to, and many aunts and uncles; close friends, Kevin Erickson and Tim Leffler.
A graveside service for Jerry will be held on Saturday, May 28, 2022, at 2:00 p.m., at St. Mary's Cemetery, Commonwealth, Wis. Following the graveside service, a luncheon and celebration of Jerry's life will take place at 3:00 p.m. at Leff's Sports Bar, Hwy 101, Florence, Wis.
The Rochon siblings want to say a special thank you to our sister, Yvonne, who did so much to assist Jerry these past two years. She was his chauffer, "his secretary," advocate, financial advisor, and antagonist! We want to thank all his friends who pitched in to help when needed and who checked on him through the years. To those of you who called us when you were worried about him, we are especially grateful. We know that Jerry was well-liked and incredibly rich in friends. This gives us great comfort.
We'll all miss you Fuzz. You are finally free. Rest in peace.
You may leave condolences or tribute for Jerry's family online at www.JacobsFuneralHomes.com
The family has chosen the Jacobs-Lundholm Funeral Home & Crematory, Florence, Wis., to honor Jerry's Legacy of life.