Jerome Uhlenhake

Jerome Uhlenhake age 70, of Calmar, IA passed away on Saturday, September 14, 2024, at his home.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, September 18, 2024, at St. Aloysius Catholic Church in Calmar, Iowa with Rev. Henry Huber officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery.
Visitation will be from 3:00 – 7:00p.m. on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, at St. Aloysius Catholic Church in Calmar, Iowa. There will be a rosary at 2:15 and a scripture service at 2:30 p.m. before the visitation.
There will be no visitation prior to the service on Wednesday morning, attendees are asked to please come in and be seated.
Jerome Aloysius Uhlenhake was born September 16, 1953, the son of Aloysius and Florence (Hackman) Uhlenhake in Decorah, IA. He grew up on the family farm east of Ossian. Jerome attended De Sales Catholic School and South Winneshiek High School where he graduated in 1971. He attended Wartburg College and Luther College for a short time before accepting a full-time position at Camcar in Decorah, where he worked for over 45 years.
Janet Marie (Wiltgen) Uhlenhake was born on August 11, 1954, the daughter of Richard and Viola (Wagner) Wiltgen in Decorah, IA. She was born on a farm outside of Calmar and was excited to move to the town of Calmar when she was a young girl. Janet attended St. Aloysius Catholic School and South Winneshiek High School where she graduated in 1972. After high school, Janet accepted a position at Camcar in Decorah, where she worked until 1984.
Growing up, Jerome loved sports, playing football, baseball, basketball, and running track during his high school career. He shared his passion and love of sports with his sons and grandchildren. Jerome coached South Winneshiek basketball for over 25 years along with baseball for 5 years. He continued his involvement with South Winneshiek sports by running the time clock in the press box for South Winneshiek home football games.
Jerome loved to read, often reading a book a day. While his favorite author was Tom Clancy, he was also known to read sports documentaries and autobiographies.
In addition to sports and books, Jerome's biggest passion when he was younger was motorcycling with his brothers and friends. With his long hair and beard, Jerome, AKA "Wolfman," enjoyed more than one motorcycle trip to California (against his mother's wishes) with Garry, AKA "Egor" and a few other friends and family, sleeping on park benches and in ditches along the way. Jerome was once separated from the group and ran into the Hells Angels.
Janet and Jerome met while working at Camcar in Decorah, IA. The couple married on June 26, 1976. Janet told Jerome that it was time to trade in his motorcycle to settle down and have a family. With their union, three sons were born.
Janet had many hobbies including: playing cards, shopping, crosswords, Sudoku, scrapbooking, collecting and facebooking. She was a big Caitlyn Clark fan. Janet loved watching her soap operas and Dancing with the Stars in addition to reading and collecting newspaper articles.
Over the years, Janet was the treasurer of the Rosary Society, involved with St. Aloysius Church, chaperoning school activities, field trip and cheering on her boys during their many sporting events. She was not only a mother to Jason and Josh but to her many other "sons" in the community.
Janet loved her family and friends more than anything. Above all, Janet's greatest love was spoiling her grandchildren and just being able to spend time with them. She loved painting her granddaughter's nails, sharing her jewelry and doing crafts with them.
Together, Janet and Jerome enjoyed card club, trips to Iowa City, Branson, Galena, Des Moines, and traveling to many Iowa bowl games over the years. They were both avid Iowa Hawkeye fans and regularly cheered on the Green Bay Packers. They adored their grandchildren and enjoyed going to their activities and having slumber parties with them.
Janet and Jerome were inseparable during their 48 years of marriage. Their love story, rich with shared memories and unwavering support, stands as an inspiring example of devotion. Their passing in this manner is a poignant reminder of the deep connection they cherished. May their souls rest in peace, united forever as they were in life.
Janet and Jerome are survived by their Children: Jason (Shelby) Uhlenhake, Cumming, IA; Josh (Samantha) Uhlenhake, Ossian, IA. Grandchildren: Nicole (Zach) Mitchell, Winterset, IA; Coby Cork, Urbandale, IA; Nolan, Brayden, Morgan and Jordyn Uhlenhake. Great grandchildren: Reagan and Rhett Mitchell. Janet's brother: Gene (Angie Gaul) Wiltgen, La Crosse, WI. Jerome's siblings: Bernice Steger, Arcadia, CA; Elaine Uhlenhake, La Crosse, WI; David (Terry) Uhlenhake (Decorah, IA), Garry (Marlys) Uhlenhake (Fort Atkinson, IA), Colleen (Dave) Luzum (Festina, IA) along with many nieces and nephews.
They were preceded in death by their son: Justin Uhlenhake on May 25, 1988. Janet's parents: Viola on August 1, 2001, and Richard "Dick" Wiltgen on July 15, 2005. Jerome's parent's Aloysius "Alvi" Uhlenhake on May 30, 1991, and Florence (Hackman) Uhlenhake on January 15, 2004. Janet's Brothers: Gerald "Augi" Wiltgen on September 8, 2006; Garry Wiltgen on February 26, 2015. Brother-in-Law: Lori Steger on December 21, 2020.
In lieu of flowers we have chosen to make donations to The South Winn Boosters and the American Heart Association. We hope this tribute will reflect the values and spirit Janet and Jerome cherished.
The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to the South Winn First Responders, WinnMedical staff, Gunderson Lutheran Hospital staff, Helms Funeral home, Winneshiek County Sherriff's Department, and all of those who have helped us to navigate this difficult journey.