Gerald Clarence Zess, of East Troy, passed away in his home on July 27, 2017, with family by his side. “Jerry” was born on July 2, 1931.
Jerry will be sadly missed by his wife of 65 years, Carol; his nine children; his 20 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren. Jerry was preceded in passing by his mother, Esther; father, Clarence; and brothers Ronald and Allen.
Jerry was a proud part of the East Troy community, having been a resident for more than 62 years. He was a hometown man, working at the former Trent Tube facility for 47 years and driving bus for the East Troy School District for 22 years.
His hobbies included serving his community by volunteering as a member of the East Troy Fire Department for 26 years. His afternoon and evening hours were often spent tinkering on most anything with an electric or gas motor in his garage on School Street.
If you lived in East Troy long enough, you undoubtedly saw Jerry once or twice puttering around town on his Honda Spree, frequenting any and all rummage sales searching for treasures to be toted home in the orange milk crate, bungee corded to the back of his scooter.
Jerry will be best remembered by those he leaves behind as a kind, soft-spoken and humble family man. Jerry was a grinder … hardworking, self sacrificing, dedicated and loyal. He enjoyed the simple pleasures East Troy had to offer and in his retirement enjoyed traveling the country on vacations around the United States with his best friend, Carol.
Jerry will be laid to rest at 3 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 4, at the Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 21731 Spring St., Union Grove, with arrangements provided by Legacy Funeral Services, East Troy.
A proud Marine, serving the country in the Korean War, the family asks that in lieu of flowers or memorials, a donation be made to the Stars and Stripes Honor Flight. Having had the opportunity to be apart of the Honor Flight, Jerry felt that any assistance to this program, allowing the experience to be shared with his fellow veterans, would be the best way of paying respects.
Following the services in Union Grove, there will be an open house from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at the upper pavilion at Booth Lake Memorial Park, N8465 Townline Road, East Troy. All who knew Jerry are welcome to attend.
