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Jerry Preller Obituary
Jerry Allan Preller passed away unexpectedly at his home on Friday November 11, 2016. He was born on July 8, 1943, to Robert A. and Dorothy L. (Luck) Preller in Greenwood, WI. He graduated from D.C. Everest High School in 1961.
He was previously married to Sandra Johnson (deceased). He married Camilla (Shelp) Skinner on May 24, 1981, and they celebrated 35 blessed years of fantastic bliss (on a day-to-day basis). Through their blended family many good times and laughs were had by all!
He is survived by his wife Camilla (Kay), children Pennee (Billy) Barron of Alabama, Karlene (Kevin) Dillingham of Wisconsin Rapids, Robert (Russann) McManus of Janesville, Bart (Perry) Skinner of Hartford, and Heather (Joe) Matter of Wausau. He is further survived by his nine grandchildren Samantha (Ryan) McGuffie, Tyler Cowan, Kasey Dillingham, Zackary McManus, Kourtney McManus, Kooper McManus, Lane Shickles, Ryan Matter, Maegan Matter, and three great grandchildren, twins Miles and Malik, and Raelynn. He is further survived by sister Patricia Preller of Schofield, Robert (Deb) Preller of Arizona, Sue Ann (Wayne) Dugan of Colorado, and a niece and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Jerry retired from the Wausau Fire Department after 30 plus years of service. Along the way he also worked various part time jobs, 22 in fact. Throughout those jobs he met many wonderful people which turned into lifelong friendships. Many more friendships were formed through Kay and Jerry's ownership of the Cop Shoppe Pub which they owned for over 20 years.
Jerry had many hobbies, he loved a good card tournament especially Cribbage and Sheepshead. He loved watching all sports and was a huge devoted Packer fan. Together he and Kay loved to head North, where they spent most of the summer on Lake Nokomis near Schaefer's Wharf. They enjoyed inviting family and friends to spend the weekend "up north" on the lake Jerry loved.
Jerry was a member of St. Stephen Church, Wausau Elks Club #248 and the Retired Firefighters of Wausau #Local 415.
Services will be held at Helke Funeral Home, Wednesday, November 16, 2016. Visitation will be from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., with a memorial service following led by Pastor Jennifer Dahle.
Family and friends please join us for a celebration of Jerry's life at the Domino bar after the service.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Jerry Preller
Sponsored by Helke Funeral Home and Cremation Service.
Linda Duerkop
November 16, 2016
Dearest Kay and family,
We are shocked and incredibly saddened by Jerry's death. He was always smiling and always such a great person to be around. He was a Sweet Adeline groupie as Kay sang with the chorus so many yrs. We just happened upon Jerry's obituary today. Had I known I would have been there for you Kay. I love you to pieces and regardless of
how often I see you. I consider you one of my wonderful friends; a friend forever. I really enjoyed Jerry. He was just a great guy to be around. I will be calling to talk and please know I will pray for Jerry and all of you. If there is a bright light in heaven that gets a little too sparkly, there will be a tall experienced fireman to take charge. Again I'm full of disbelief and feel tremendous loss. Again, I love you Kay! Linda Duerkop and Jim and our girls too who remember him fondly.
Pat Kinney
November 15, 2016
Jerry was one of the many kind people I worked with at WFD.
He'll be missed.
Randy & Jackie Woldt
November 15, 2016
Kay so sorry for you loss Randy and I will miss talking to Jerry on the dock 0n lake Nokomis he will be missed !
Jack Anderson
November 15, 2016
Kay and family,I am sorry for your loss...when I first moved to Wausau,in 1985,you and Jerry were some of the first people I met...at the Cop Shoppe....it was a great time....I have many nice memories...I remember helping him take alum. cans in to the junkyard....a 1/2 hour journey usually took a detour and took us 2-3 hours...good fun....Jerry was good friend and made this a better world...stay strong thru these difficult times.
Tammy Friedrich
November 15, 2016
I had the privilege of working with Jerry for a while at the Fire Department. My thoughts and prayers are with all of the family.
Ernest Rosenow
November 14, 2016
Kay Preller & Family, My condolences on Jerrys passing. We started working at the Wausau Fire Department on the same day January 1, 1966. Worked with Jerry many times through out our careers. Ernest Rosenow, ( Lt, W.F.D. Ret)
November 14, 2016
Had the honor of knowing Jerry,Kay,&Heather for many wonderful years.My Most heart felt sympathy goes to all of the family.He will be greatly missed I'm sure. Love Sue Chase & John Olson
November 14, 2016
I had the privilege of knowing Jerry for many years. I shot pool at the cop shop for years, some of the best times in my life. My prayers go out to Kay and the family. Rest in peace Jerry. Ray and Cheryl Rogers
David Vick
November 14, 2016
Just talked with Jerry at our most recent class reunion and am totally stunned and surprised. Not only attended Everest together but worked at Greenheck together also. So sorry and sad.
Bob Bethke
November 14, 2016
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Dennis Kamke
November 14, 2016
To the Preller , so sorry for your loss, I went to School with Jerry and he was a wonderful person, always had a smile, I know he will be missed by all, My Condolences to all the Family and Friends.
Tom/Debbie Winters
November 14, 2016
Kay/Family........Sorry to hear of Jerry's passing.......He'll be missed.....Larry called to give us the SAD news......Take care of your self
Sheila Fosnaugh
November 13, 2016
Sorry that we can not attended. Jerry will always be in our heart and thoughts and prays he will be very well missed Love always Gene & Sheila
Showing 1 - 15 of 15 results
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Memorial Events
for Jerry Preller
Nov
16
Visitation
2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Helke Funeral Home and Cremation Service302 Spruce St, Wausau, WI 54401
Nov
16
Funeral services provided by:
Helke Funeral Home and Cremation Service302 Spruce St, Wausau, WI 54401
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