Obituary for Gerald Allan "Jerry" Johanneck
Gerald "Jerry" Allan Johanneck - loving son, brother, uncle and friend. Passed away gently and peacefully surrounded by love, after complications from a long term illness at the Milwaukee VA Medical Center on January 18, 2020 at the young age of 50.
Jerry was born in Milwaukee, WI on June 25, 1969 to Gerald and Jacqueline (Machak) Johanneck. His spirit was bright and he leaves behind that light to shine over his parents, Jerry and Jackie; his life partner, Karen Matuszak; his brothers and sisters: Cheryl (Bill Zierer) Kossow, Daryl, Debbie (Brian) Bogrow, Carrie (Eugene) Grobschmidt, Jill and Randy; nieces and nephews: Adam, Kayla, Anna, great nieces and nephew: Austin, Heavyn and Abby. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Ray and Gladys Johanneck; his maternal grandmother, Marie Nipe; and his niece Jennifer. He will be deeply missed by his loving extended Matuszak family and an incredible group of friends, many of whom were like family to him; as well as his four-legged friends: Penny, Satchmo and Francis.
Jerry attended Oak Creek High School and served our country in the United States Army for 3 years following graduation. After the service he attended the University of South Carolina and then finished his degree at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, where he received a Bachelors Degree in Graphic Design.
Jerry had a creative mind, from sketching pictures to writing music. He loved to travel and toured Europe after college and had countless adventures throughout the US. His passion was music and he would spend hours noodling away on his "git-fiddle". His sense of humor was limitless: crazy faces, silly voices and "meows"; his thought provoking "Jerryisms" and who could forget his dance moves? - it was impossible not to smile or laugh when he was around. He had a pool of knowledge that rivaled the best Jeopardy contestant. He was a walking trivia machine - especially when it came to music and sports. He loved the Minnesota Vikings, despite never seeing them win a Super Bowl. Jerry was well-loved by all who knew him and he will be missed beyond measure.
Memorial visitation at the funeral home on Sunday, February 2 from 11 AM to 2 PM with a memorial service at 2 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the family appreciated. The family would also like to extend their thanks to the staff at the VA Hospital for their excellent care and compassion.
Jerry was born in Milwaukee, WI on June 25, 1969 to Gerald and Jacqueline (Machak) Johanneck. His spirit was bright and he leaves behind that light to shine over his parents, Jerry and Jackie; his life partner, Karen Matuszak; his brothers and sisters: Cheryl (Bill Zierer) Kossow, Daryl, Debbie (Brian) Bogrow, Carrie (Eugene) Grobschmidt, Jill and Randy; nieces and nephews: Adam, Kayla, Anna, great nieces and nephew: Austin, Heavyn and Abby. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Ray and Gladys Johanneck; his maternal grandmother, Marie Nipe; and his niece Jennifer. He will be deeply missed by his loving extended Matuszak family and an incredible group of friends, many of whom were like family to him; as well as his four-legged friends: Penny, Satchmo and Francis.
Jerry attended Oak Creek High School and served our country in the United States Army for 3 years following graduation. After the service he attended the University of South Carolina and then finished his degree at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, where he received a Bachelors Degree in Graphic Design.
Jerry had a creative mind, from sketching pictures to writing music. He loved to travel and toured Europe after college and had countless adventures throughout the US. His passion was music and he would spend hours noodling away on his "git-fiddle". His sense of humor was limitless: crazy faces, silly voices and "meows"; his thought provoking "Jerryisms" and who could forget his dance moves? - it was impossible not to smile or laugh when he was around. He had a pool of knowledge that rivaled the best Jeopardy contestant. He was a walking trivia machine - especially when it came to music and sports. He loved the Minnesota Vikings, despite never seeing them win a Super Bowl. Jerry was well-loved by all who knew him and he will be missed beyond measure.
Memorial visitation at the funeral home on Sunday, February 2 from 11 AM to 2 PM with a memorial service at 2 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the family appreciated. The family would also like to extend their thanks to the staff at the VA Hospital for their excellent care and compassion.