JEROME THORSON

Jerome E. "Jerry" Thorson, 82, passed away Thursday, July 9, 2015 at The Bridges of Appleton. He was born on October 17, 1932 in Owen, WI; son of the late Edward and Eleanor (Knaack) Thorson. Jerry was preceded in death by his first wife of 25 years, Pauline Thorson. On September 11, 1976, he was married to Betty Moder. Betty preceded him in death on June 1, 2014. Jerry honorably served his country with the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. He was a funeral director with Westgor Funeral Home in the 60s before becoming a truck driver, driving for Menasha Corp. and then Penske Trucking. Jerry was a faithful member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Greenville. He was an avid fan of the Brewers and the Packers and enjoyed gardening, working in his yard and the fishing trips he took to Canada with his family. According to his caretakers at the nursing home, Jerry was referred to as always pleasantly "calm, cool and collected". He and Betty were wonderful caretakers of their own, and their home was always open to anyone who needed a place to stay. Jerry is survived by his son, Richard (Barbara) Thorson and their daughter, Brooke; daughter, Evette Heinzkill and her daughter, Stephanie (David) Leisure; step-son, Rory (Karen) Kaddatz and their daughter, True; step-daughters: Roxanne (Bryan) Neumann and their daughters: Marissa and Mariya and Roberta "Bobbi" (John) Warnke and their daughters: Sheena (sp. friend, Caleb) and Shemane; great-grandchildren: Brycen, Jordan and Silvia; sisters: Loretta "Lolly" Mills and Eileen Thorson and his brother, Brian (Patti) Thorson. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; wives: Pauline and Betty; son, Barry Thorson and grandson, John Heinzkill. A Celebration of Jerry's Life will be held on Monday, July 13, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church, W7265 School Rd., Greenville. The Rev. Joel Heckendorf will officiate. Family and friends may visit at the church on Monday from 11:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Full military honors will be held at the burial in the church's cemetery. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established in his name. Jerry's family would like to thank the wonderful nurses, caregivers and staff of The Bridges of Appleton for their compassionate care.