Gerald "Jerry" Laine

Gerald “Jerry” Denis Laine, 79, of Rib Mountain, passed away on Friday, July 6, 2018 after his courageous two-year fight with ALS.

Jerry was born in Montreal, WI on July 6, 1939 to the late Wilbur and Hilda (Andersen) Laine. He grew up in Wakefield, MI and graduated from Wakefield High School in 1957. Jerry married the love of his life, Mary Ellen Dalbeck, on September 1, 1962 at First Lutheran Church in Wakefield, MI. Together, Jerry and Mary raised five children.

Jerry’s hobbies included golfing, hunting, fishing, woodworking, reading, and traveling. However, the most important thing to him was his family. He served as a proud Mason, the President of the Finnish-American Club, and he was the first Council President of St. Andrew Lutheran Church. He retired in 2005 from L&S Electric where he worked as a Corporate Controller. After his retirement, he worked during tax season at Vanden Heuvel CPA firm.

His positive outlook on life lifted everyone’s spirits in even the most difficult times. His selfless attitude and glowing heart inspired many people and managed to change the life of every person he encountered. He will be deeply missed by many who knew him.

Although he wanted his obituary to simply say “Jerry lived and Jerry died,” his life was so much more than that.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Mary Ellen; his children, Renee (Tim) Woller, Derrick (Debra) Laine, Corrine (Bob) Rogers, Amy (Jeff) Zappa, and Becky (Ryan Kenton) Laine; his grandchildren, all of who he was so proud of: Beth (Jesse) Drake, Cory (Stephanie) Woller, Kayla and Ashley Laine, Olivia and Grace Rogers, and Isabella Zappa. He is further survived by his beautiful great-grandchildren, Weston, Braelynn, Zerin, and Mia.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents and his twin infant grandsons, Ryan and Jarad Rogers.

A memorial service will take place at 11:00 am on Wednesday, July 11, 2018 at St. Andrew Lutheran Church, 3200 N. Mountain Rd, Wausau. Rev. Jenn Collins will officiate. Visitation will take place from 9:00 am until the time of services at the church. Inurnment will take place at Maple Grove Cemetery in the Town of Maine.

Jerry’s family wishes to thank all of their friends and family for their love and support through Jerry’s battle with ALS.