Gerald Gerg

Gerald R. Gerg, 94, died Wednesday, March 23, 2016 at the Hospice House under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services.

Jerry was born July 14, 1921 in Beaver Dam to the late Arthur P. and Jane C. (Numerdor) Gerg. He was preceded in death by his wife, Helen (Weihert), infant daughter, Connie who died during childbirth and his siblings, Jeanne Truman of Milwaukee, Arthur Gerg of Waunakee and Bob Gerg of Brookfield, WI. Jerry is survived by his daughter, Pamela (Richard) Engelmeier of Wausau; granddaughter, Lori Engelmeier; sisters-in-law, Vivian Gerg of Waunakee and Marlys Weihert of Columbus; and extended family and friends.

Jerry graduated from Beaver Dam High School in 1939 where he played football, violin, bass viol and percussion. He also played bass viol in a band, the "Elite Entertainers." As the age of 20, Jerry enlisted in the Army Air Forces in WWII, achieving the rank of Captain by the time of separation from service. Before deployment, Jerry was a B-25 flight instructor. He then co-piloted and piloted a B-25 bomber in the European Theatre. Although he wouldn't admit to it, he was a true home-town hero. At the age of 22, Jerry was the co-pilot when his B-25 bomber was severely damaged and the pilot was seriously injured. Even though injured himself, Jerry flew their crippled bomber back from Italy to Corsica just feet above the Mediterranean Sea. The hydraulics were completely shot out. He landed the plane with one engine, no flaps, no wheels, on its belly, with gas leaking and sparks flying. The lives of all 7 men in the plane were saved that day.

Jerry married the love of his life Helen Weihert on January 12, 1946 in Columbus, WI and together they built their own home on Pleasant Street in Beaver Dam. Jerry and Helen later moved to Milwaukee where Jerry worked full time as an engineer for Singer Co. and continued his education at night at MATC. After Singer closed in Milwaukee, they moved to Shiller Park, IL for 8 more years with Singer Co. (acquired by Eaton), retiring after 31 years. Jerry was always very active in church, serving as head usher and a church council member. Jerry and Helen shared their retirement years wintering with friends in Bradenton, FL and spending their summers in Woodruff, WI where they delighted in pan fishing together. They were married for 58 years before Helen's death in 2004.

Funeral services will be 11:00 AM Thursday, March 31, 2016 at Helke Funeral Home (302 Spruce Street, Wausau, WI). Pastor Erik Olson will officiate. Visitation will be from 10:00 AM until the time of service at the funeral home on Thursday. Military rites will be rendered by VFW Burns Post #388 and representatives of the US Air Force. Jerry's cremated remains will be interred in Oakwood Cemetery, Beaver Dam at a later date. Helke Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements; you may sign our family guestbook at helke.com.

A special thanks to the awesome staff at Primrose. You made Dad feel completely loved and valued on his last day.